Semigroup varieties with 1.5-permutable fully invariant congruences on their free objects. (Q2386474)

Congruences \(\alpha,\beta\) on an algebra are said to be 1.5-permutable if \(\alpha\vee\beta=\alpha\cup\beta\). (The terminology stems from a more general situation, whereby `\(n.5\)-permutability' lies between \(n\)- and \(n+1\)-permutability. For instance, it is clear that 1.5-permutable congruences are 2-permutable, that is, \(\alpha\beta=\beta\alpha\).) A variety \(\mathcal V\) is fi-1.5-permutable if all pairs of fully invariant congruences on the \(\mathcal V\)-free algebras are 1.5-permutable. The author determines the fi-1.5-permutable semigroup varieties. They are the varieties of periodic groups whose lattice of varieties is a chain; the varieties of left zero semigroups, right zero semigroups, and semilattices; or consist of nilsemigroups that satisfy one of six sets of simple identities. These last six classes of varieties are precisely the nilsemigroup varieties on which the fully invariant congruences are permutable.