Universal constructions for Hopf algebras. (Q942213)

This paper is a study of Hopf monoids over symmetric monoidal categories and over the subcategories of commutative and cocommutative objects. Particular attention is given to the following questions, which turn out to be closely related: When are the canonical forgetful functors from the above categories into the categories of monoids and comonoids parts of an adjunction? When are the naturally-arising subcategory embeddings reflexive or coreflexive? When does a category of Hopf monoids have all limits or colimits? The special case (in this categorical context) of Hopf algebras is emphasized. The issues considered are fundamental and longstanding, already arising from considerations of free and cofree objects in the foundational text [\textit{M. E. Sweedler}, Hopf algebras. New York: W. A. Benjamin, Inc. (1969; Zbl 0194.32901)] and paper [\textit{M. Takeuchi}, J. Math. Soc. Japan 23, 561-582 (1971; Zbl 0217.05902)]. An appendix is included, reviewing Takeuchi's construction of free Hopf algebras [loc. cit.] from a more categorical viewpoint.