On the formation, stability, and dissociation of peptide radicals after femtosecond electron transfer from alkali metal atoms

- Long-lived ion-molecule complexes are formed after NCαbond dissociation.
- Neutral z fragment radicals easily pick up electrons to become anions.
- Electron-induced NH3 loss occurs either from N-terminal ammonium or guanidinium.
- Folding governs to some extent the relative importance of dissociation channels.
- Histidine, proline, and arginine participate in hydrogen atom transfer reactions.