A partial extension of Lazard's correspondence for finite \(p\)-groups. (Q2469768)

\textit{M. Lazard} introduced [in Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér., III. Sér. 71, 101-190 (1954; Zbl 0055.25103)] a correspondence between finite \(p\)-groups of nilpotence class less than \(p\) and certain nilpotent Lie rings. This has proved extremely useful in studying a variety of problems. In general, it fails for groups of larger nilpotence class. The aim of the paper under review is to give an extension of Lazard's results. It applies to those \(p\)-groups that are the product of normal subgroups, each of nilpotence class less than \(p\). An essential ingredient is the proof of the correspondences of Lazard and Mal'cev, as presented in the book by \textit{E.~I.~Khukhro}, [\(p\)-automorphisms of finite \(p\)-groups. Lond. Math. Soc. Lect. Note Ser. 246. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (1998; Zbl 0897.20018)], which uses free nilpotent rational associative algebras of arbitrary class. The paper starts with a subtle analysis of the range of validity of Lazard's formulas for the Lie ring sum and commutator, in terms of the group operation, and goes on to extend in a significant and very useful manner results of an earlier paper [\textit{G. Glauberman}, J. Group Theory 8, No. 5, 539-560 (2005; Zbl 1085.20008)]. We refer to the Introduction of the paper, which is very lucidly written, for more details.