Dynamics of chemical processes in polar solvents

Understanding solution-phase chemistry requires a microscopic description of the electronic structure of the reacting molecules, and of the complex influence of the solvent medium on the reaction energetics and dynamics. Processes involving reactant charge-transfer are of particular importance in chemistry and biochemistry, and are strongly influenced by polar media. Recent advances in experimental ultrafast laser spectroscopy and in computer simulation are working together to provide insight into the underlying molecular principles governing this class of processes in solution.