Prime graph components of the simple groups of Lie type over the field of even characteristic (Q5905667)

The prime graph of a finite group \(G\) is by definition a graph such that the vertices are the set of all prime divisors of the order of \(G\) and two vertices \(p\) and \(r\) are joined by an edge if \(G\) contains an element of order \(pr\). The authors determine the connected components of the prime graph for the simple groups of Lie type over the fields of even characteristic. Combining this with the results of \textit{J. S. Williams} [J. Algebra 69, 487-513 (1981; Zbl 0471.20013)], it follows that the number of connected components of the prime graph of any finite group is at most 6. The result of the present paper was announced [in Proc. Japan Acad., Ser. A 67, No. 3, 82-83 (1991; Zbl 0770.20013)].