Minimal algebraic complexes over \(D_{4n}\) (Q373638)

The \(D(2)\) problem of Wall asks whether every cohomologically 2-dimensional cell complex is homotopy equivalent to a 2-complex. When the complex is aspherical this reduces to the Eilenberg-Ganea conjecture (whether a group \(G\) with \(c.d.G=2\) has a 2-dimensional \(K(G,1)\) complex). Bestvina and Brady have shown that the Eilenberg-Ganea conjecture and the Whitehead conjecture (on the asphericity of subcomplexes of aspherical 2-complexes) cannot both hold [\textit{M. Bestvina} and \textit{N. Brady}, Invent. Math. 129, No. 3, 445--470 (1997; Zbl 0888.20021)]. On the other hand, Hambleton has shown that the \(D(2)\) problem has a positive answer, after stabilization with a wedge of 2-spheres (unpublished). One may ask whether the \(D(2)\) conjecture holds for all complexes with given fundamental group \(G\). This is so if \(G\) is dihedral of order \(4n+2\), by work of \textit{F. E. A. Johnson} [Stable modules and the \(D(2)\)-problem. London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series 301. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2003; Zbl 1055.57002)]. The present paper provides the final step in showing that it holds for all dihedral groups. The argument is algebraic, and involves showing that any third syzygy module in a partial resolution of the \(\mathbb{Z}[G]\)-augmentation module \(\mathbb{Z}\) is a sum \(J\oplus\mathbb{Z}[G]^r\), where \(J\) is the unique minimal such module (corresponding to an optimal presentation of \(G=D_{4n}\)) and \(r\geq0\). Candidates for counterexamples to the general conjecture have been suggested by various parties, but it seems that there are not yet the tools to confirm any of these as counterexamples. (The authors mention \textit{M. R. Bridson} and \textit{M. Tweedale} [Math. Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 143, No. 2, 257--264 (2007; Zbl 1131.20020)], and Johnson. In addition, \textit{F. R. Beyl} and \textit{N. Waller} have given examples with \(G=Q_{4n}\) a finite quaternionic group, for \(n\geq7\) [Algebr. Geom. Topol. 8, No. 1, 1-17 (2008; Zbl 1173.57002)]).