For example, would photo-induced electron transfer be favored in more polar solvents compared to less polar?
Hi Hammad, I hope all is well. Dipole moments form when there is a separation of charge either between two ions in an ionic bond or between atoms in a covalent bond. The dipole moment is an indicator of the polarity of the molecule. So dipole moments arise from differences in electronegativity. the larger the dipole moment, the larger the difference in electronegativity. The distance between the charge separation is also determines the magnitude of the dipole moment. I am not totally familiar with the influence of solvent type but the surroundings will have a significant influence on the charge separated state.
Hello Richard, Good to hear from you. In terms of the solvent polarity effect, in one of the study, stabilizing effect of higher polarity on charge separated states was found. And in the same study they found that charge transfer was higher in non-polar solvents (e.g. Hexane) than in polar solvent (ACN). Below is the reference......
J. Phys. Chem. A 1999, 103, 5425-5435.
@ Peter, below i am copying the last line from abstract of above reference,
"An explanation is offered as to why the less polar solvents show the larger fractional charge transfer in the transition states involved in the quenching mechanism" since they has taken generation of singlet oxygen as charge transfer mechanism that might have guided to such a conclusion.
Dear Peter, thanks for the feedback, your concerns are very valid. And definitely, an exhaustive literature review to reach a conclusion is required on my side. Can you please share your understanding of the subject?
By favored i meant "enhanced". By subject i meant which you answered already.
Hi Peter, my most favorite science teacher in the entire world always answered 'it depends' to everything. Perhaps it was designed to make us rationalize our theoretical work but really its not an answer. You have to start somewhere especially if you are exploring a new field so while the original question is specific, I think the key here is some general knowledge. In the spirit of researchgate where scientists can come together to share thoughts and ideas perhaps you might be able to share some general knowledge since you already stated that there are ample papers specifically written about solvent effects on charge transfer or about polar solvation dynamics
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