Structure of group rings and the group of units of integral group rings: an invitation (Q2065333)

In this survey paper, fundamental results and the essential techniques are presented for constructing large torsion-free subgroups (i.e., subgroups of finite index) of the unit group \(\mathcal{U}(\mathbb{Z}G)\) of the integral group ring \(\mathbb{Z}G\) of a finite group \(G\). For finite groups \(G\) and \(H\), the isomorphism problem states: ``Is it true that the a ring isomorphism \(\mathbb{Z}G\cong\mathbb{Z}H\) implies a group isomorphism \(G\cong H\)?'' The fact that an integral group ring isomorphism is equivalent with unit group isomorphism leads to the problem of describing the unit group, in particular of describing a large subgroup (a subgroup of finite index) of the unit group, of the integral group ring of a finite group. General methods and results on units of \(\mathbb{Z}G\) are first presented, especially those on the Bass units and the bicyclic units. Next, the decomposition of the semisimple rational group algebra \(\mathbb{Q}G\) into a product of Wedderburn components (simple components), and the type of \(2\times2\)-matrices which can occur as simple components are discussed. Also, a classification of those finite groups which have a faithful exceptional \(2\times2\)-matrix ring component is given. Then, generators for a subgroup of finite index are discussed, and central units constructed from Bass units are treated. Finally, structure theorems of unit groups are discussed, followed by the bibliography consisting of a list of 44 papers and books.