We study the influence of an applied electric field on the fully resolved electronic spectrum of 7-azaindole. We find the permanent dipole moment values mu(S-0) = 1.59 and mu(S-1) = 2.30 D. These values are substantially different from those of indole itself. The orientations of the dipoles also are significantly different in both molecules, in both electronic states. Dynamical consequences of these results are discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.