A remark on finite groups having a split BN-pair of rank one with characteristic two (Q1103719)

Let \(G=<B,N>\) be a finite group with a split BN-pair of rank one. Thus \(H=B\cap N\) is of index two in N and B is a split extension of a subgroup U by H. Suppose the subgroup U contains a Sylow 2-subgroup of G. Such a group G is called a group with a split BN-pair of rank one with characteristic two. Let t be an involution of N. Then \(N = H<t>\) and there is a unique involution s of U which satisfies the structure identity \(tst = r^{-1}tr\) for some r in U. In the determination of the simple groups with a split BN-pair of rank one with characteristic two [M. Suzuki, Ann. Math., II. Ser. 79, 514-589 (1964; Zbl 0123.251)], the fact that the order of the element st is prime plays an important role. However the proof of the fact depends upon the classification of the Zassenhaus groups of characteristic two and it is not obvious why the order of st is prime. In the paper under review the author gives a direct and elementary proof. The method used here might simplify the long argument of the classification of simple groups which belong to this class.