Affine semigroups and second duals (Q2367901)

This note proves that an affine semigroup \(K\) has a universal affine semigroup compactification. As a topological space, this compactification is just the state space of the space of bounded real-valued affine functions on \(K\). When \(K\) is the unit ball of a Banach algebra, the compactification is the unit ball of the second dual in its weak\(^*\) topology with an Arens multiplication. The theories of affine semigroup compactifications and second duals of Banach algebras are essentially equivalent.