Groups with anomalous automorphisms (Q1921901)

Let \(G\) be a group. The set \(\Aut_{nn}G\) of all automorphisms of \(G\) fixing every non-normal subgroup of \(G\) is a normal subgroup of the full automorphism group \(\Aut G\) of \(G\). Of course, \(\Aut_{nn}G\) contains the group \(P\Aut G\) of all power automorphisms of \(G\), and the structure of groups \(G\) such that \(P\Aut G\neq\Aut_{nn}G\) has been investigated by \textit{S. Franciosi}, \textit{H. Heineken} and the reviewer [Arch. Math. 65, No. 3, 196-209 (1995; Zbl 0839.20043)]. Some further properties of the group \(\Aut_{nn}G\) are proved in the article under review. In particular, the authors show that, if the group \(G\) contains some non-normal subgroups, then the group \(\Aut_{nn}G\) is metabelian, and it is even Abelian, provided that \(G\) is not nilpotent of class 2. Moreover, if \(G\) is a finite \(p\)-group (\(p\) prime) which is not a Dedekind group, it is proved that also \(\Aut_{nn}G\) is a \(p\)-group, and it is Abelian if \(p>2\).