On operator amenability of Fourier-Stieltjes algebras (Q2287840)

Let \(G\) be a locally compact group, and let \(B(G)\) denote its Fourier-Stieltjes algebra, i.e. the space of matrix coefficients of continuous unitary representations. Let \(u\) be the universal unitary representation of \(G\) on a Hilbert space \(H\), and let \(G^u\) be the Eberlein compactification of \(G\), i.e. the weak closure of \(G\) in the unit ball of \(\mathbb B(H)\). Let \(ZE(G^u)\) denote the set of all central idempotents in \(G^u\). It is shown that if \(B(G)\) is operator amenable then \(ZE(G^u)\) is finite. The second main result of the paper states that, under the additional assumption of connectedness of \(G\), \(B(G)\) is operator amenable iff \(G\) is compact. Previously, it was shown in [\textit{V. Runde} and \textit{N. Spronk}, Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 39, No. 2, 194--202 (2007; Zbl 1130.43002)] that there exist non-compact groups with operator amenable Fourier-Stieltjes algebras.