Gas-phase protein assemblies: Unfolding landscapes and preserving native-like structures using noncovalent adducts

► Multiprotein complex ions unfold via sequential pathways in the gas phase. ► Multiprotein complexes primarily unfold via conformational changes in a single monomeric unit. ► The addition of involatile buffer salts prior to electrospray ionisation preferentially stabilizes the 'native-like' gas-phase conformers of protein complex ions. ► Adducts do not influence the global structure of protein complexes, only the energetics of their formation.