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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Solvatochromism describes the ability of a substance to change color due to a shift in the polarity of the solvent. This can be observed as either a negative transition or positive transition depending on the relative change of polarity in either direction. This change can then be quantified by measuring the transition dipole moment. Positive and negative solvatochromism depend on the difference between the dipole moment of the ground and excited states of the substance. This phenomenon is explained by the solvatochromic effect, which relates the absorption and emission spectra with the polarity of the solvent. This can then be seen by the human eye due to the presence of chromophores. Chromophores are known to absorb a precise wavelength of light, which can be seen when it falls within the range of the visible spectrum. On a basic level, compounds that exhibit this effect can be used as indicators to compare the polarities of various solvents. It has also been used in the characterization and understanding of solvents, mixed solvent systems, dry solid surfaces, and ‘wetted’ or ‘solvated’ solid surfaces. Currently there is research being done to determine if this effect can be applied towards the development and creation of LEDs, environmental sensors, and molecular switches.