The problem of directed valence is treated from a group theory point of view. A method is developed by which the possibility of formation of covalent bonds in any spatial arrangement from a given electron configuration can be tested. The same method also determines the possibilities of double and triple bond formation. Previous results in the field of directed valence are extended to cover all possible configurations from two to eight s, p, or d electrons, and the possibilities of double bond formation in each case. A number of examples are discussed.

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Phys. Rev.
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Phys. Rev.
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7.
For the group theoretical methods used here see Wigner, Gruppentheorie (Vieweg, Braunschweig, 1931);
Weyl, Theory of Groups and Quantum Mechanics (tr. Robertson) (Methuen, London, 1931);
Van der Waerden, Gruppentheoretische Methoden in der Quantenmechanik (Springer, Berlin, 1932).
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9.
The notation used here is that of
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,
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43
,
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(
1933
).
10.
The bond angles of 90° in this structure are not predicted by the reduction table alone, but can be easily found by the process of forming the actual orbitals as shown in the second section.
11.
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and
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