On a recent theorem of M. Shirvani on subgroups of division algebras. (Q2496847)

Let \(G\) be a soluble-by-finite subgroup of the multiplicative group of a division algebra of dimension \(d^2\) over its center \(F\). The main result of this paper is that \(G\) has an Abelian normal subgroup of index dividing \(15d^2\), somewhat strengthening a recent result of \textit{M. Shirvani} [J. Algebra 294, No. 1, 255-277 (2005; Zbl 1088.16024)]. More precisely, let \(T\) denote the maximal normal periodic subgroup of \(G\). For the sake of this review, call a group `somewhat Abelian' if it is metabelian with Abelian Sylow subgroups. The following classification was obtained by the author [in Mich. Math. J. 37, No. 2, 293-303 (1990; Zbl 0726.20034)], and is the key ingredient in the current paper. One of three cases holds. Case I: \(T\) has a somewhat Abelian characteristic subgroup of index at most \(2\); Case II: \(T\) is binary octahedral, \(T=Q\times M\), where \(Q\) is the quaternion group of order \(8\) and \(M\) is a somewhat Abelian \(2'\)-group, or \(T=\text{SL}_2(3)\times M\) for \(M\) a somewhat Abelian \(\{2,3\}'\)-group; Case III: \(T=\text{SL}_2(5)\). Moreover Case I holds in positive characteristic or if \(d\) is odd. Let \(A\) be a normal Abelian subgroup, and let \(e=\dim_FF[A]\) (a divisor of \(d\)). Then the index \([G:A]\) divides \(d^2/e\) in Case I; divides \(6d^2/e\) in Case II; and divides \(15d^2/e\) in Case III. Explicit examples are provided to show that these figures are essentially optimal.