The \(2\)-groups of rank \(2\) (Q1188267)

Whereas \textit{N. Blackburn} has classified the (finite) \(p\)-groups of rank 2 for odd primes \(p\) already in 1961 [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc., III. Ser. 11, 1--22 (1961; Zbl 0102.01903)] the case \(p=2\) is still open. It is well- known that a 2-group of rank 2 contains a normal 4-group \(F\cong Z_2^2\) unless \(G\) is quaternion, dihedral or semidihedral. The author solves completely the case where \(F\) is central, obtaining that then \(G/F\) has to be a split extension \(AB\) with \(A\) and \(B\) being each cyclic or dihedral (Theorem A). There are some hints that in general \(G\cong X/F_ 0\), where \(X\) is of rank 2 with a central 4-group \(F\) and \(Z_2\cong F_0\). For the general case the author is only able to derive the following theorem: A 2-group of rank 2 contains a split metacyclic group of index at most \(2^3\). Cohomological arguments play an important role in the proofs of these results.