Solvent-induced symmetry breaking

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011035",
  "term": "Solvent-induced symmetry breaking",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The loss of molecular symmetry caused by interactions with a polar solvent, which polarizes the charge distribution so that an asymmetric arrangement becomes favoured. A typical case is a symmetric donor-acceptor-donor molecule whose photoexcited charge-transfer state localizes on one arm in a polar solvent. The effect shows up as a strong red shift and broadening of the fluorescence band as solvent polarity rises.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2007, 79, 293. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)' on page 422 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779030293)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/solvent-induced-symmetry-breaking/"
}