The cross sections for K-vacancy production in collisions of 50-250 keV Cⁿ⁺, Nⁿ⁺ and Oⁿ⁺ (n=1,2,3) on Ne have been measured. The experimental results can be explained in terms of 2p pi -2p sigma rotational coupling. The data indicate that the 2p vacancies are distributed over the molecular orbitals according to the Barat-Lichten correlation rules (1972). The data show a strong charge state dependence which decreases at high projectile energies. This dependence can be explained by two processes leading to the creation of 2p pi vacancies. First exothermic charge exchange occurs with high probability at large internuclear distances. This process is important only for the higher charge states and its contributions are largest at low velocities. Second at higher collision velocities a strong and velocity-dependent coupling the projectile and target becomes more important. This process is important for all charge states.