Nonmatrix varieties and nil-generated algebras whose units satisfy a group identity (Q1355571)

Let \(R\) be an algebra over an infinite field \(F\) and let \(R^\times\) denote its group of units. We say that \(R\) satisfies a nonmatrix identity if there exists a polynomial identity for \(R\) which is not satisfied by \(M_2(F)\). Now if \(R\) satisfies such an identity, then it follows from work of \textit{A. Kemer} [Algebra Logika 19, 255-283 (1980; Zbl 0467.16025)] and \textit{A. E. Zalesskij} and \textit{M. B. Smirnov} [Commun. Algebra 9, 2075-2100 (1981; Zbl 0476.16024)] that \(R^\times\) satisfies a group identity. Conversely, it is shown here that if \(R\) is nil-generated and if \(R^\times\) satisfies a group identity, then \(R\) satisfies a nonmatrix identity. For the most part, the techniques used here extend those of \textit{A. Giambruno, S. K. Sehgal} and \textit{A. Valenti} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 125, No. 3, 629-634 (1997; Zbl 0863.16018)].