Single crystal of 2-Methylimidazolium D-tartrate (2MImdT; C(8)N(2)O(6)H(12)) has been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature using mixed solvents of ethanol and deionized water. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study confirms that 2-Methylimidazolium D-tartrate belongs to monoclinic crystal system with non-centrosymmetric space group P2(1). The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of 2-Methylimidazolium D-tartrate reveals the presence of methyl and carboxyl functional groups in the compound. The mechanical properties of 2MImdT crystal were studied. The theoretical factor group analysis predicts 168 optical modes in the title compound. The dielectric behavior of 2MImdT crystals was studied at different frequencies and temperatures. Decomposition and melting point of 2MImdT were found using thermal measurements. SHG behavior of the title compound was demonstrated using Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.