Inductive limits of projective \(C^\ast\)-algebras (Q2180247)

The main subject of this paper is noncommutative shape theory, which was first introduced by \textit{E. G. Effros} and \textit{J. Kaminker} [Pitman Res. Notes Math. Ser. 123, 152--180 (1986; Zbl 0645.46051)] and developed by \textit{B. Blackadar} [Math. Scand. 56, 249--275 (1985; Zbl 0615.46066)]. Shape theory is (broadly) the study of \(C^*\)-algebras which can be expressed as inductive limits of certain `tractable' \(C^*\)-algebras. In analogy with the corresponding theory for topological spaces, the `tractable' \(C^*\)-algebras in this context are the semi-projective ones. One important open question in this context [Blackadar, loc. cit., 4.4] asks whether every separable \(C^*\)-algebra can be expressed as an inductive limit of semi-projective \(C^*\)-algebras. The main goal of the paper under review is to answer a specific case of this question. The author proves that a \(C^*\)-algebra is an inductive limit of projective \(C^*\)-algebras if and only if it has trivial shape. It follows from a theorem of Blackadar [loc. cit., Theorem 4.8] that a \(C^*\)-algebra that is such an inductive limit must have trivial shape. Therefore, the main content of this paper is the converse -- that a \(C^*\)-algebra with trivial shape can be expressed as an inductive limit of projective \(C^*\)-algebras. As a consequence of this result, one concludes that a separable, contractible \(C^*\)-algebra can be expressed as an inductive limit of projective \(C^*\)-algebras. Furthermore, the author also proves that a separable \(C^*\)-algebra is projective if and only if it is semi-projective and has trivial shape.