Raman and SERS spectra of phenylacetic acid and alpha-phenylglycine on silver sols have been recorded at several concentrations and pH values. The alpha-phenylglycine has been also studied in D2O. The respective vibrational assignments have been proposed and the analysis of the SERS spectra has made it possible to conclude that phenylacetic acid links to the metal through its carboxylate group only, while alpha-phenylglycine links also through its amino group. In both cases the aromatic ring seems to be almost perpendicular to the metal surface. On the other hand, the contribution of the charge transfer (CT) mechanism to the enhancement of the SERS spectra has been calculated as well and it is found to be very important in both molecules. The band most enhanced by this mechanism is that of vibration 8a, mainly in alpha-phenylglycine. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.