We report the growth and nonlinear optical properties of cyclohexylammonium acetate (CYHAC) crystal. The functional groups and crystal structure were determined using FT-IR analyses and single crystal XRD (293 K). UV–Vis–NIR measures the cutoff wavelength (254 nm) and optical band gap (5.17 eV) of CYHAC crystal. TG-DSC spectrum shows the melting point (161 °C) and decomposition of the compound. Activation energy was calculated from dielectric studies as a function of frequency at different temperatures. Laser damage threshold of CYHAC is 5.23 GW/cm2. Nonlinear optical parameters were calculated using Z-Scan technique for this material and its optical limiting behavior were also tested, the value of limiting threshold and clamping output are 24.3 mW and 7.1 mW respectively. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.