Complex group algebras of finite groups: Brauer's problem 1. (Q854101)

The author introduces the following conjecture: The order of a finite group is bounded in terms of the largest multiplicity of its (irreducible complex) character degrees. The main purpose of the paper is to reduce the proof of the conjecture to the case of symmetric groups. In particular, it is proved for solvable groups, which is done in Section 2 of the paper. Note that the solvable case is also provided (with similar arguments) in [\textit{A. Jaikin-Zapirain}, J. Group Theory 8, No. 3, 267-272 (2005; Zbl 1098.20006)], with an acknowledgement that Moretó was the first to prove the result. The proof of the conjecture for simple groups of Lie type in Section 3 is, according to the paper, due to G. Malle. Section 4 uses the results of the previous sections to obtain the main result. The results of the paper were announced with proof sketches [in Electron. Res. Announc. Am. Math. Soc. 11, 34-39 (2005; Zbl 1077.20003)].