Exponent of a finite group with a four-group of automorphisms. (Q1758238)

Let \(A\) be a group isomorphic to either \(S_4\), the symmetric group on four symbols, or \(D_8\), the dihedral group of order 8. Let \(V\) be the normal four-subgroup of \(A\), and \(\alpha\) an involution in \(A\setminus V\). Suppose that \(A\) acts on a finite group \(G\) in such a way that \(C_G(V)=1\) and \(C_G(\alpha)\) has exponent \(e\). It is proved that if \(A\cong S_4\), then the exponent of \(G\) is \(e\)-bounded, and if \(A\cong D_8\), then the exponent of \([G,G]\) is \(e\)-bounded. These results extend the recent results of the author et al. on Frobenius groups of automorphisms [J. Algebra 331, No. 1, 482-489 (2011; Zbl 1229.20016)], \textit{N. Yu. Makarenko, E. I. Khukhro} and the author [Dokl. Math. 83, No. 2, 152-154 (2011); translation from Dokl. Akad. Nauk 437, No. 1, 20-23 (2011; Zbl 1238.20038)]. The proofs use, among other things, Lie ring methods and Zelmanov's results on the Restricted Burnside Problem.