Subnormal subgroups in division rings with generalized power central group identities. (Q267040)

Let \(D\) be an associative division ring with centre \(F\), and let \(D^*\) and \(F^*\) be the multiplicative groups of \(D\) and \(F\), respectively. The paper under review shows that if the field \(F\) is uncountable or \(D\) is finite-dimensional as an algebra over \(F\), then \(F^*\) includes every subnormal subgroup of \(D^*\), which satisfies a nontrivial generalized power central group identity. This proves Herstein's conjecture in the special case where \(D\) is finite-dimensional over \(F\) (and, more generally, when \(D\) is a locally PI division ring). \textit{I. N. Herstein}'s conjecture [posed in Isr. J. Math. 31, 180-188 (1978; Zbl 0394.16015)] states that every element \(a\in D^*\) satisfying the condition that \((axa^{-1}x^{-1})^{n(x)}\in F^*\), for all \(x\in D^*\) must be central, i.e. \(a\in F^*\). The conjecture has been proved, under the extra hypothesis that \(F\) is uncountable, by \textit{I. N. Herstein} (in zero characteristic), and by \textit{K. Chiba}, for an arbitrary characteristic [see Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 49, No. 1, 85-90 (1994; Zbl 0801.16017); Rend. Circ. Mat. Palermo, II. Ser. 29, 485-489 (1980; Zbl 0474.16011), respectively]. As shown in the paper under review, the conclusion of Herstein's conjecture holds, for \(D\) locally PI, if \(a\) satisfies its condition when \(x\) runs across a noncentral subnormal subgroup \(N\) of \(D^*\).