The effect on solvation dynamics and energetics of the length and char
ge distribution of a model linear solvent has been determined. Solvent
clustering around the ion is independent of the solvent molecule leng
th if the solvent dipole terminus is attracted to the charged solute.
In contrast, if they repel, the structure around the solute ion depend
s on the length of the solvent molecules and on the solute charge. The
calculated solvation dynamics has two components and depends on solve
nt structure. The fraction of the fast relaxation component decreases
with the length of the solvent molecules.