Hybridisation of SO[SUB]2[/SUB] and SeO[SUB]2[/SUB]

Abdul Quadeer

Why is the hybridisation of S in SO₂ sp² where as it is sp³ in SeO₂ ?

DrDu

Who sais so? Or is this only based on some difference in bond angle?

Abdul Quadeer

My book.
"SO2 being a discrete molecule exists in the gaseous state. Hybridisation of S in SO2 in the gaseous state is sp2.

Selenium and tellurium dioxides are solids having polymeric chain or layer structure. It consists of a zig-zag chain. Hybridisation of Se in SeO2 is sp3"

DrDu

What does this book want to tell us? That SO2 doesn't exist in liquid or solid form because it is a discrete molecule?
What you can say is that the bond angles in SO2 and SeO2 are about 120 deg in gas phase and in solid SeO2 between 90 and 100 degree. Would be much more honest than speculating about some hypothetical hybridization which is not observable.
In case of SeO2 (solid) assuming no hybridization at all would probably describe the molecule even better.
Get a better book.