Elusive groups from non-split extensions (Q7229455)

A theorem of Jordan states that every finite transitive permutation group on at least two points has a derangement. This was strengthened by \textit{B. Fein} et al. [J. Reine Angew. Math. 328, 39--57 (1981; Zbl 0457.13004)] who proved that every finite transitive permutation group has a derangement of prime power order. A finite transitive permutation group is called elusive if it contains no derangement of prime order. These groups are related to an open problem in algebraic graph theory known as the Polycirculant Conjecture which asserts that no elusive group is \(2\)-closed.\N\NThe set \(E\) of degrees of elusive groups is considered. It is asked whether \(E\) has density \(0\) in \(\mathbb{N}\). It is proved that for each Mersenne prime \(p \geq 7\) and integer \(k \geq 2\), there exists an elusive group of degree \(p^{3k-4}(p+1)/2\). It is also shown that there are elusive groups of odd degree and twice odd degree, namely \(3^{k+1} \cdot 5^{2}\) and \(2 \cdot 3^{k+1} \cdot 5^{2}\) for every integer \(k \geq 1\).\N\NThe paper initiates the construction of elusive groups as non-split extensions of finite groups.