Deciphering the role of multiple hydrogen bonding sites on the microsolvation of 3-(phenylamino)-2-cyclohexen-1-one with water in the excited states

- PACO.3H2O microcluster formation in the ground and excited states are explored.
- Microhydration gives stabilization to S1 and S2 states compared to the S0 state.
- The S1 and S2 states of PACO appear to cross each other following microhydration.