Real \(2\)-regular classes and \(2\)-blocks (Q1582237)

Every 2-block of a finite group \(G\) has a defect class that is real. Hence for \(G\) to have a 2-block with defect group \(D\), it must have a real 2-regular class with defect group \(D\). As a partial converse, it is shown that if \(D\) is a 2-subgroup such that \(N(D)/D\) has no dihedral subgroup of order eight, then \(G\) has a block with defect group \(D\) if and only if it has a real 2-regular class with defect group \(D\). The full converse is not true in general. The partial converse has some applications. For example, if a Sylow 2-subgroup \(S\) is Hamiltonian, then all 2-blocks of \(G\) have maximal defect if and only if \(S\) is normal in \(G\). This generalizes a result of \textit{K.~Harada} [Nagoya Math. J. 32, 283-286 (1968; Zbl 0175.30402)]. A final section investigates when a 2-block of \(G\) has a real defect class in a given normal subgroup of \(G\).