A classification of the minimal ring extensions of certain commutative rings (Q876412)

A minimal ring extension \(R\subset T\) is a ring extension such that there is no proper subextension of \(R\subset T\). \textit{D. Ferrand} and \textit{J.-P. Olivier} introduced minimal ring morphisms (or extensions) [J. Algebra 16, 461--471 (1970; Zbl 0218.13011)]. They gave a classification of minimal ring extensions of fields and showed that minimal ring extensions are either integral morphisms or flat epimorphisms. The authors of the paper under review first completed the classification of minimal ring extensions of an integral domain [J. Algebra 305, No. 1, 185--193 (2006; Zbl 1107.13010)]. They obtain in the present paper a basic classification of minimal ring extensions, when the base ring \(R\) has a von Neumann regular total quotient ring \(Q\), and no maximal ideal of \(R\) is a minimal prime ideal of \(R\). The minimal ring extensions of \(R\) are, up to \(R\)-algebra isomorphisms, of the following three types (without overlapping): (1) Minimal overrings (within \(Q\)) of \(R\); (2) For each maximal ideal \(M\) of \(R\), the idealization \(R(+)R/M\); (3) For each maximal ideal \(M\) of \(R\), the ring \(R\times R/M\). More precisely, they obtain a generator-and-relations classification of the integral minimal extensions. This classification may be compared with the one gotten by the reviewer in the case of a minimal overring of a one-dimensional noetherian ring \(R\) which is integral over \(R\) [Math. J. Toyama Univ. 19, 17--45 (1996; Zbl 0883.13005)] or by \textit{G. Picavet} and the reviewer in a more general case [in: Multiplicative ideal theory in commutative algebra. A tribute to the work of Robert Gilmer. 369--386 (2006; Zbl 1127.13006)]. Moreover, when \(R\) has a von Neumann regular total quotient ring, Dobbs and Shapiro prove that for a minimal ring extension \(R\subset T\) such that \(R\) is integrally closed in \(T\), then \(T\) is an overring of \(R\) and is isomorphic (as an \(R\)-algebra) to the Kaplansky transform of \(R\) with respect to the crucial maximal ideal of the extension \(R \subset T\), a maximal ideal of \(R\) which plays a key role in the theory of minimal ring extensions. This interesting paper, illustrated by many examples and pertinent remarks, brings a new view to the theory of minimal ring extensions.