Maximal subgroups of the Coxeter group \(W(H_4)\) and quaternions. (Q2576233)

In this paper a characterization is given of the non-normal maximal subgroups of the noncrystallographic Coxeter group \(W(H_4)\), which is the largest finite subgroup of \(O(4)\). Evidence is given (not a rigorous proof however) that, up to conjugacy, there are five such subgroups, with order 144, 240, 240, 400 and 576, respectively. The approach is based on an analysis of the root system of \(H_4\) represented in terms of icosians, which are the elements of the binary icosahedral group \(I\). An icosian is a quaternion of the form \(q=\alpha+\beta i+\gamma j+\delta k\) with \(\alpha,\beta,\gamma,\delta\) in \(\mathbb{Q}(\tau)\), the \(\tau\)-extension of the rational field with \(\tau\) the golden number. The binary icosahedral group is the double extension of the icosahedral group \(A_5\) and is accordingly of order 120. The maximal subgroups of \(W(H_4)\) are derived from the maximal subgroups of \(I\).