Abstract
The energy‐localization method is examined for continuous degeneracy using a grouptheoretic approach. Conditions for the degenerate orbitals are obtained and an enumeration of symmetry groups where continuous degeneracy may occur is given. It is found that the orbitals may be equivalent under operations not contained in the total symmetry group. An alternative explanation for the free rotation of the lone pairs in F2 is offered.

This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit: