Commutative Moufang loops and alternative algebras. (Q651223)

The authors investigate commutative Moufang loops (briefly CML) and in particular CML of exponent 3 (CML\(_3\)) freely generated by a finite number of elements. It is known that if \((L_n,\cdot)\) is a free \(n\)-generated CML then \(L_n\) is an extension of the free Abelian group \(\mathbb{Z}^n\) by a CML\(_3\); thus the study of free CML reduces to that of exponent 3. A first question arising on the structure of an \(n\)-generated CML\(_3\) \((L_n,\cdot)\) is the determination of its order. Let \(|L_n|=3^{\delta(n)}\), one of the main results of the paper is the following: \(\delta(3)=4\), \(\delta(4)=12\), \(\delta(5)=49\), \(\delta(6)=220\), \(\delta(7)=1014\) or \(1035\), and \(\delta(7)=1014\) if and only if \(L_7\) can be embedded into a loop of invertible elements of a unital alternative commutative algebra. This result improves the (hypothetical) Smith's formula giving the values of \(\delta(n)\) when \(n\leq 7\) and rectifies it when \(n=7\). The case of free CML\(_3\) with seven generators is extensively studied and a characterization of loops of this class embedded in commutative alternative algebras is proposed. In fact it is proven that \(L_7\) may be embedded into the loop \(U(A)\) of units of a unital commutative alternative algebra if and only if a specific identity among the elements of \(L_7\) holds true. The last result is obtained by giving faithful exterior algebra representation for free CML\(_3\). In some propositions the authors use the program ALBERT for calculations in non-associative algebras.