On the groups \([X,Sp(n)]\) with \(\dim X\leq4n+2\) (Q952180)

The main results that were obtained by \textit{H. Hamanaka} and \textit{A. Kono} [J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 43, No. 2, 333--348 (2003; Zbl 1070.55007)] and others for the group \(U(n)\) are here developed for the group \(Sp(n)\subset U(2n) \subset U(2n+1)\). For a group-like space \(G\) and a based space \(X\), the based homotopy set \([X,G]\) becomes a group by pointwise multiplication. The group under consideration is the group \(Sp_n(X) = [X,Sp(n)]\), when \(X\) is a CW-complex and \(\dim X \leq 4n+2.\) Under these conditions, a homomorphism \(\Theta_H: \widetilde{KSp}^{-2}(X) \to H^{4n+2}(X)\) is found such that the following exact sequence holds \[ \widetilde{KSp}^{-2}(X) \to H^{4n+2}(X) \to Sp_n(X) \to \widetilde{KSp}^{-1}(X) \to 0 \] which is natural. Moreover, the induced sequence \[ 0 \to \operatorname{Coker} \Theta_H \to Sp_n(X) \to \widetilde{KSp}^{-1}(X) \to 0 \] is a central extension. These results are based on an investigation of \(\operatorname{Coker}\Theta_H\). The commutator in \(Sp_n\) is explicitly given. Some applications of the obtained results are also included.