The Baer-Suzuki theorem for groups of \(3\)-exponent \(1\) (Q6539752)

Let \(G\) be a finite group \(x \in G\), \(p \in \pi(G)\). The Baer-Suzuki theorem states that if \(\langle x,x^{g} \rangle\) is a \(p\)-group for every \(g \in G\), then \(x \in O_{p}(G)\) [\textit{R. Baer}, Math. Ann. 133, 256--270 (1957; Zbl 0078.01501); \textit{M. Suzuki}, Ann. Math. (2) 82, 191--212 (1965; Zbl 0132.01704)] (see also [\textit{J. Alperin} and \textit{R. Lyons}, J. Algebra 19, 536--537 (1971; Zbl 0238.20026)]).\N\NIn 1990, A. V. Borovik posed Question 11.11 in [\textit{V. D. Mazurov}. Kourovka notebook. Unsolved problems of group theory. 11th ed., Novosibirsk: Institut Matematiki SO AN SSSR (1990; Zbl 0748.20001)] which inquires the following: Is the Baer-Suzuki theorem true in the class of periodic groups or at least in the class of binary-finite groups? A positive answer in the class of binary-finite groups was obtained in [\textit{A. I Sozutov}, Sib. Math. J. 41, No. 3, 560--561 (2000; Zbl 0960.20016)]. In addition, the third author [Algebra Logic 53, No. 5, 422--424 (2014; Zbl 1315.20039)] proved that the Baer-Suzuki theorem holds for \(p=2\) in periodic groups without elements of order \(8\).\N\NThe main result in the paper under review is: Let \(G\) be a periodic group with no elements of order \(9\). If \(C\subseteq G\) is a normal subset and any pair of elements from \(C\) generates a \(3\)-group, then \(\langle C\rangle\) is a normal group of period \(3\); in particular, it is locally finite.\N\NTogether with the results of the third author [loc. cit.], the previous result proves that Baer-Suzuki theorem holds for periodic groups of exponent \(12\).