\(SK_1\)-like functors for division algebras (Q5942808)

Let \(D\) be a finite-dimensional division algebra over a field \(F\). Let \(D'\) be the commutator subgroup of the multiplicative group \(D^\times\). The author investigates the group \(G(D)=D^\times/F^\times D'\) and shows that it satisfies properties analogous to those of the reduced Whitehead group \(SK_1(D)\). Most notably, \(G(D)\) is a torsion group whose exponent divides the index of \(D\), and \(G(D)\simeq\prod_iG(D_i)\) if \(D\simeq D_1\otimes\cdots\otimes D_n\) with \(D_1,\dots,D_n\) division algebras of relatively prime indices. In the case where \(F\) is Henselian valued and \(D\) is tame over \(F\), the group \(G(D)\) is explicitly described in terms of the residue algebra and the extension of value groups. The results are used to compute \(SK_1(D)\) in various cases, providing alternative proofs of some theorems of \textit{V. A. Lipnitskij} [Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR 228, 26-29 (1976; Zbl 0345.16024)].