Mainz 2026 – scientific programme
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MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik
MO 5: Ultrafast Electronic Dynamics
MO 5.2: Talk
Monday, March 2, 2026, 17:30–17:45, P 204
Ultrafast charge transfer dynamics in phosphorylated amino acids in aqueous solution — •Nicolas Velasquez1, Juliette Leroux2, and Florian Trinter1 — 1Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6 14195, Berlin, Germany — 2Department of Physics, Universität Hamburg, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
Charge transfer (CT) plays a fundamental role in chemistry and biology, particularly in aqueous environments where most reactions occur. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation strongly alter local charge distribution and intermolecular interactions in proteins. In this study, we employ Auger–Meitner spectroscopy to address ultrafast CT dynamics in phosphorylated amino acids in aqueous solution, focusing on the role of the phosphate group at the biomolecule–water interface. Our results indicate that the phosphate group dramatically enhances charge transfer to the solvent (CTTS). This finding highlights the role of solvation and, in particular, hydrogen-bond network effects in facilitating CTTS. Furthermore, the core-hole lifetime provides a natural timescale for electron dynamics, allowing quantification of CT rates. Our observations suggest that CT pathways are governed by the interplay between the phosphate moiety and the amino-acid backbone in the hydrated environment. Understanding CT in biomolecules is crucial for fields such as radiation chemistry, protein chemistry, and biophysics. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of early electronic processes in complex systems, paving the way for future studies of radiation-induced damage in biologically relevant conditions.
Keywords: phosphotyrosine; Auger spectroscopy; liquid jet; ultrafast; charge transfer