Algebraic monoids and group embeddings (Q1281899)

Let \(k\) be an algebraically closed field of arbitrary characteristic. An algebraic monoid is an algebraic variety \(S\) over \(k\) with an associative multiplication which is a morphism of algebraic varieties and with \(1 \in S\). Let \(G(S)\) be the group of invertible elements of \(S\) (unit group of \(S\)). In the paper under review the author studies the geometry of algebraic monoids. He proves that (i) \(G(S)\) is an algebraic group open in \(S\), if \(S\) is an irreducible variety; moreover, (ii) if the group \(G(S)\) is reductive, then the monoid \(S\) is affine. The author also gives a combinatorial classification of reductive monoids by means of the theory of spherical varieties.