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.
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)