Absorption spectra of β-carotene in 31 solvents are measured in ambient conditions. Solvent effects on the 0-0 band energy, the bandwidth, and the transition moment of the S 0 → S 2 transition are analysed. The discrepancies between published results of the solvent effects on the 0-0 band energy are explained by taking into account microscopic solute-solvent interactions. The contributions of polarity and polarizability of solvents to 0-0 band energy and bandwidth are quantitatively distinguished. The 0-0 transition energy of the S 2 state at the gas phase is predicted to locate between 23000 and 23600 cm-1 .
