nonbonding molecular orbital

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.NT07083
A @M03996@ whose occupation by electrons does not contribute (or contributes insignificantly) to the @BT07001@ of the molecule. Generally, a nonbonding MO represents the highest occupied @M03996@ of a molecule.
Source:
PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. (Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry) on page 1955 [Terms] [Paper]