Ultrafast structural rearrangement dynamics induced by the photodetachment of phenoxide in aqueous solution

The elementary processes that accompany the interaction of ionizing radiation with biologically relevant molecules are of fundamental importance. However, the ultrafast structural rearrangement dynamics induced by the ionization of biomolecules in aqueous solution remain hitherto unknown. Here, we employ femtosecond optical pump-probe spectroscopy to elucidate the vibrational wave packet dynamics that follow the photodetachment of phenoxide, a structural mimic of tyrosine, in aqueous solution. Photodetachment of phenoxide leads to wave packet dynamics of the phenoxyl radical along 12 different vibrational modes. Eight of the modes are totally symmetric and support structural rearrangement upon electron ejection. Comparison to a previous photodetachment study of phenoxide in the gas phase reveals the important role played by the solvent environment in driving ultrafast structural reorganization induced by ionizing radiation. This work provides insight into the ultrafast molecular dynamics that follow the interaction of ionizing radiation with molecules in aqueous solution.