Automatic continuity of derivations and epimorphisms (Q1116420)

Two automatic continuity problems for derivations on commutative Banach algebras are discussed: (a) Every derivation on a commutative Banach algebra maps into the radical, and (b) Every derivation on a semiprime Banach algebra is continuous. We show that (b) implies (a). Furthermore, we prove that (b) and the following statements are equivalent: (c) Every derivation on a commutative Banach algebra has a nilpotent separating space, (d) Every derivation on an integral domain is continuous, and (e) Every derivation on a commutative, topologically simple Banach algebra other than \({\mathbb{C}}\) is continuous. Using accessible prime ideals as introduced by \textit{P. C. Curtis} [Lect. Notes Math. 975, 328-333 (1983; Zbl 0518.46038)], we show that (b) holds in some special cases, thus improving older results by \textit{R. J. Loy} [Bull. Austr. Math. Soc. 1, 419-424 (1969)] and \textit{R. V. Garimella} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 99, 289-292 (1987; Zbl 0617.46056)]; related results for epimorphisms are given.