Term: solvent-induced symmetry breaking
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.ST07478

Definition:
Breaking of symmetry of a molecular species by interactions with the solvent that can modify the molecular charge distribution, to favour asymmetrical configurations.

Note: An example is the stabilization by a @P04717@ of a light-induced charge transfer state in a symmetric donor–acceptor–donor system.

Related Terms:
1) polar solvent (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04717).

Source: PAC, 2007, 79, 293. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)' on page 422 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779030293)

Citation: 'solvent-induced symmetry breaking' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.ST07478

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