Comparing the spectral lineshape based on trajectories with and without the Cl -explicitly included in the dynamics, we observe only minor differences (see Fig. ). Both spectra are in reasonable agreement with the experimental lineshape. Since both approaches, with and without the explicit inclusion of a Cl -in the dynamics, produce almost identical lineshapes, all further analysis of the optical spectrum of CV in methanol is based on the system in the absence of a counterion.