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The symmetric approach preserves the C2v molecular point group with its twofold axis z and mirror planes xz and yz. The molecular ring lies in xz. Classify orbitals by reflection signs $({\sigma }_{xz},{\sigma }_{yz})$: $A_1=(+,+)$, $B_1=(+,-)$, $B_2=(-,+)$, $A_2=(-,-)$. With globally defined p-orbital phases the molecular orbital correlation diagram givesWithin either two-orbital symmetry block the lower member remains correlated with the lower product member; the non-crossing rule prevents swapping their order through an ordinary same-symmetry crossing. Crossings between different irreducible representations are allowed. The crucial consequence is that the occupied carbon pi orbital correlates to a C–O-antibonding combination, rather than both initially occupied $A_1$ orbitals becoming the two product bonding orbitals.

In the two-spin exchange spectrum with unequal signed magnetic moments, the axial Hamiltonian conserves $M=S_{1z}+S_{2z}$. Parallel-spin states have $M=\pm \hslash$, while the two mixed states lie in the $M=0$ block. Levels in different $M$ sectors may cross as the axial magnetic field changes because the conserved projection forces their coupling matrix element to vanish.

This is a symmetry qualification of the non-crossing rule. A nonzero isotropic exchange interaction does not by itself turn every field-dependent crossing into an avoided crossing. A transverse perturbation that breaks conservation of $M$ can mix the sectors and open a gap, provided its relevant matrix element is nonzero. Plotting the energy eigenvalues by their conserved projection therefore distinguishes protected crossings from the avoided splitting already present within the $M=0$ block.