  Clusters consisting of small molecules containing hydrogen do eject fast
protons when illuminated by short X-ray pulses. A suitable overall charging of
the cluster controlled by the X-ray intensity induces electron migration from
the surface to the bulk leading to efficient segregation of the protons and to
a globally hindered explosion of the heavy atoms even outside the screened
volume. We investigate this peculiar effect systematically along the
iso-electronic sequence of methane over ammonia and water to the atomic limit
of neon as a reference. In contrast to core-shell systems where the outer shell
is sacrificed to reduce radiation damage, the intricate proton dynamics of
hydride clusters allows one to keep the entire backbone of heavy atoms intact.
