On a filtered multiplicative basis of group algebras (Q1973435)

Let \(R\) be a finite-dimensional algebra over a field \(K\). A \(K\)-basis \(S\) of \(R\) is a filtered multiplicative \(K\)-basis of \(R\), if (i) For all \(a,b\in S\) either \(ab=0\) or \(ab\in S\) and (ii) \(S\cap\text{rad }R\) is a \(K\)-basis of \(\text{rad }R\). Filtered multiplicative \(K\)-bases were introduced by the reviewer in connection with the study of Nakayama-(= generalized uniserial) algebras [J. Reine Angew. Math. 201, 100-112 (1959; Zbl 0094.25101)] and, more generally, of algebras of finite (representation) type [\textit{H. Kupisch}, J. Reine Angew. Math. 219, 1-25 (1965; Zbl 0132.28002)]. For algebras of finite type over an algebraically closed field \(K\) filtered multiplicative \(K\)-bases do exist [\textit{R. Bautista}, \textit{P. Gabriel}, \textit{A. V. Rojter} and \textit{L. Salmerón}, Invent. Math. 81, 217-285 (1985; Zbl 0575.16012)], but finite type is (as is easy to see) not necessary for their existence. In case of group algebras \(KG\) of finite groups \(G\), \textit{L. Paris} [Enseign. Math., II. Sér. 33, 307-314 (1987; Zbl 0637.16009)] has proved that if \(K\) is a field of characteristic 2 and (1) \(G\) is a quaternion group of order 8 and \(K\) contains a primitive cube root of unity, or (2) \(G\) is a dihedral 2-group, then \(KG\) (which is not of finite type) has a filtered multiplicative basis. The main result of the paper now is to show that, for the class of metacyclic \(p\)-groups, the existence of a filtered multiplicative basis for \(KG\) is bound to these two cases, i.e. the following Theorem: Let \(G\) be a finite metacyclic \(p\)-group and \(K\) a field of characteristic \(p\). Then the group algebra \(KG\) has a filtered multiplicative \(K\)-basis if and only if \(p=2\) and (1) or (2) holds. The proof is based on the well-known presentation of metacyclic \(p\)-groups by two generators \(a\), \(b\) and relations and a result of \textit{S. A. Jennings} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 50, 175-185 (1941; Zbl 0025.24401)] which implies that \((a-1)+A^2\) and \((b-1)+A^2\) form a \(K\)-basis of the augmentation ideal \(A\) of \(KG\text{ mod }A^2\).