New simple groups with a BN-pair. (Q740239)

Every group with a split BN-pair of rank at least \(2\) is essentially a simple algebraic group. The authors construct simple groups \(G\) with (non-split) BN-pairs of rank \(2\) such that \(G\) is not of algebraic origin. For \(n\geq 3\) let \(\Gamma_n\) be the very homogeneous generalized \(n\)-gon constructed by \textit{K. Tent} [in J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 62, No. 1, 1-15 (2000; Zbl 0960.51004)]; its automorphism group \(G\) is transitive on the ordered \((2n+2)\)-cycles in \(\Gamma_n\). The authors prove that \(G\) is simple as an abstract group, using a model-theoretic result of \textit{D. Lascar} [J. Symb. Log. 57, No. 1, 238-251 (1992; Zbl 0785.03018)]. These generalized polygons \(\Gamma_n\) are not Moufang polygons.