Local derivations of full matrix rings (Q343201)

Let \(R\) be a unital associative ring and let \(M\) be a \(2\)-torsion free bimodule. An additive map \(d:R\rightarrow M\) is a derivation if \(d(ab)=d(a)b+ad(b)\) for any \(a,b\in R\), and is called a \textit{local derivation} if for any \(a\in R\) there is a derivation \(\delta_a\), depending on \(a\), such that \(d(a)=\delta_a(a)\). This concept was introduced independently by \textit{R.V. Kadison} [J. Algebra 130, No. 2, 494--509 (1990; Zbl 0751.46041)] and by \textit{D.R. Larson} and \textit{A.R. Sourour} [Operator theory, operator algebras and applications, Proc. Summer Res. Inst., Durham/NH (USA) 1988, Proc. Symp. Pure Math. 51, Pt. 2, 187--194 (1990; Zbl 0713.47045)], and has been studied in settings mostly related to algebras of operators. The paper under review is devoted to prove that if \(R\) is a unital commutative associative ring and \(M\) is an \(R\)-module (and hence a bimodule by means of \(xa:=ax\) for any \(a\in R\) and \(x\in M\)), then for \(n\geq 3\), any local derivation \(\hbox{\mathrm Mat}_n(R)\rightarrow \hbox{\mathrm Mat}_n(M)\) is a derivation.