The \(S_ 3\)-conjecture for solvable groups (Q1903104)

The paper provides an affirmative answer to the following conjecture: if \(G\) is a nontrivial finite solvable group whose conjugacy classes have mutually distinct orders, then \(G\) is isomorphic to the symmetric group \(S_3\). The proof is organised as follows. The groups in question being rational groups, a result of \textit{R. Gow} [J. Algebra 40, 280-299 (1976; Zbl 0348.20017)] forces them to be \(\{2, 3, 5\}\)-groups. But by previous results of \textit{A. L. Gilotti} [Atti. Accad. Naz. Lincei, VIII. Ser., Rend., Cl. Sci. Fis. Mat. Nat. 58, 501-507 (1975; Zbl 0343.20010)] the conjecture is true for \(\{2, 3\}\) or \(\{2, 5\}\)-groups. The authors' approach is to look at a counterexample \(G\) whose order is divisible by 15 and to use a battery of elementary results about solvable rational groups (some of them of independent interest) in order to eliminate several possible conjugacy class orders. This information is then used in conjunction with the class equation to derive a contradiction.