Active participation of 1πσ* states in the photodissociation of tyrosine and its subunits

The ubiquitous nature of (1)pi sigma* states in biological molecules has been a prime focus in recent years. Understanding the role of this dissociative state in the amino acids and their respective chromophores following UV excitation would enable a step change toward establishing a better understanding of the mechanisms of photostability of larger peptides in the gas-phase. This letter presents the first evidence of the active involvement of (1)pi sigma* states in the H-atom elimination of the amino acid tyrosine and its subunit tyramine, following excitation at 200 nm