\(K_ 1\) of von Neumann regular rings (Q794750)

For certain rings and \(C^*\)-algebras R, the group \(K_ 1(R)\) is shown to equal the abelianization of the unit group U(R). For instance, this is proved for every \(C^*\)-algebra with unitary 1-stable range, for every \(AW^*\)-algebra, and for every unit-regular ring in which 2 is invertible. (The case of finite \(AW^*\)-algebras is due to \textit{D. Handelman} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 76, 241-249 (1979; Zbl 0427.46040), Theorem 7]. \textit{D. Handelmann} had asserted the result for all unit- regular rings R [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 8, 105-118 (1976; Zbl 0324.16014), Theorem 2.4], but indicated in his Zentralblatt review that his proof required 1/2\(\in R.)\) The authors prove that \(K_ 1\) of any unit-regular ring R is the quotient of U(R) by a certain ''Vasershtein subgroup'' that contains the commutator subgroup but does not always equal it. For example, \(K_ 1\) of a simple unit-regular ring R equals \(U(R)^{ab}\) if and only if \(R\not\cong M_ 2({\mathbb{Z}}/2{\mathbb{Z}})\). Other cases and examples are also studied, as well as applications of these results to lifting units.