# A Characterisation of 𝐺₂⁢(𝐾)

## 1 Introduction

This paper belongs to a series of publications on the classification of of tame simple groups of finite Morley rank and odd type. The result and the methods used to achieve it are intimatly related to the characterisation of $`PSp(4,K)`$ given . The motivation for this problem and all necessary definitions can be found there. The underlying conjecture is the following.

###### Conjecture 1

Let $`G`$ be a simple tame $`K^{}`$-group of odd type and Prüfer 2-rank $`2`$. Let $`iG`$ be any involution and $`C:=C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))`$.

* If $`CGL_2(K)`$, then $`GPSL_3(K)`$
* If $`CPSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$, then $`GPSp_4(K)`$.
* If $`CSL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$, where the two copies of $`SL_2(K)`$ intersect non-trivially, then $`GPSp_4(K)`$ or $`GG_2(K)`$.

Furthermore one of these three cases holds.

We are going to prove cases $`(2)`$ and $`(3)`$ of the conjecture using . In  one can furthermore find a partial result of case $`(1)`$, if $`O(C_G(i))=1`$. To prove the complete case $`(1)`$ seems to be extremely challenging and one will probably need new methods. Especially we prove the following theorem:

###### Theorem 1

Let $`G`$ be a simple $`K^{}`$-group of finite Morley rank that does not interpret a bad field. Assume that $`G`$ contains an involution $`i`$, such that either

* $`C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))SL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$ where the two copies of $`SL(2,K)`$ intersect non-trivially or
* $`C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))PSL(2,K)\times K^{}`$

for an algebraically closed field $`K`$ of characteristic neither $`2`$ nor $`3`$. Then $`GPSp_4(K)`$ or $`GG_2(K)`$.

## 2 Basic Results

We are first going to show, that case $`(ii)`$ of Theorem 1 implies case $`(i)`$.

###### Proposition 2

Let $`G`$ be a simple $`K^{}`$-group of odd type that does not interpret any bad field. Assume that $`pr(G)=2`$ and let $`D`$ be the four-subgroup which is contained in the connected component of a Sylow 2-subgroup $`S`$ of $`G`$. Set $`O_D:=_{lD^{}}O(C_G(l))`$. If $`T_0:=C_G(D)^{}/O_DK^{}\times K^{}`$ for some algebraically closed field of characteristic not $`2`$, then $`C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))`$ is isomorphic to one of the following groups for any $`iD^{}`$.

* $`K^{}\times K^{}`$.
* $`GL_2(K)`$
* $`PSL_2(K)\times K^{}GL_2(K)/I`$ where $`I=\left(\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}\right)`$.
* $`SL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$ where the two copies of $`SL_2(K)`$ intersect non-trivially.

If $`C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))`$ is isomorphic to one of the groups in $`(iii)`$ or $`(iv)`$, then $`O(C_G(l))=1`$ for all $`lD^{}`$.

Proof. Let $`iD^{}`$, then $`C:=C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))`$ is a central product of an abelian divisible group $`T`$ and a semisimple group $`H`$ all of whose components are simple algebraic groups over algebraically closed fields of characteristic different from 2 by . Furthermore $`pr(C)=2`$ by  and $`pr(H)=pr(C)pr(T)`$ by Lemma . Thus $`H`$ is the central product of simple algebraic groups of Prüfer 2-rank less than or equal to 2 by \[11, 27.5\].

Set $`C_k:=C_G(k)`$ and $`O_k:=O(C_k)`$ for all $`kI(G)`$. Let $`\theta `$ be the signalizer functor defined by $`\theta (s):=O_s`$ for all $`sI(G)`$. Then $`O_iC_j=O_jC_i=O_jO_i=O_D`$ for all $`jD^{}`$, $`ji`$. Hence

$$C_iC_j/O_D(C_iC_j)O_i/O_i(C_iC_j)O_j/O_j.$$

Thus by \[2, 2.52\] $`(C_iC_j)/O_DC_{C_i/O_i}(jO_i)C_{C_j/O_j}(iO_j)`$. This implies that $`TC_C(jO_i)C_G(D)/O_D=T_0`$ and either $`T=1`$, $`TK^{}`$ or $`TT_0`$, since $`T`$ is connected and $`G`$ does not interpret a bad field.

Thus $`(i)`$ holds, if $`pr(T)=2`$, as in this case $`H=1`$ and $`TT_0`$. If $`pr(T)=1`$, then $`TK^{}`$ and $`pr(H)=1`$. Hence $`H`$ is of type $`A_1(K)`$, i.e. $`HSL_2(K)`$ or $`HPSL_2(K)`$. If $`C=H\times T`$, then $`HPSL_2(K)`$, as $`C_C(jO_i)T_0`$ for any involution $`jH`$. Thus $`CGL_2(K)/I`$ in this case. If on the other hand $`C=HT`$, where $`HT`$ is non-trivial, then $`HSL_2(K)`$ and $`CGL_2(K)`$.

If finally $`pr(H)=2`$, then $`T`$ is trivial by  and $`H`$ is of type $`A_1(K)\times A_1(K)`$, $`A_2(K)`$, $`C_2(K)`$ or $`G_2(K)`$. However, $`H`$ has to contain a central involution. Thus $`H`$ cannot be of type $`A_2(K)`$ or $`G_2(K)`$ and it cannot be isomorphic to $`PSp_4(K)`$. As furthermore $`C_C(jO_i)T_0`$ for any $`jD\backslash i`$, $`H`$ cannot be isomorphic to $`Sp_4(K)`$ either. Hence $`H`$ is of type $`A_1(K)\times A_1(K)`$, contains the central involution $`i`$ and $`C_C(jO_i)T_0`$ for any other involution $`j`$. Especially $`CSL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$, where the two copies of $`SL_2(K)`$ intersect in $`i`$.

If $`C`$ is isomorphic to the group in $`(iii)`$ or $`(iv)`$, then $`C_G(i)^{}`$ contains an elementary abelian subgroup $`E`$ of order $`8`$ which contains $`D`$ by  as $`C`$ does. Thus $`O(C_G(i))=1`$ by . $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 3

Let $`G`$ be a $`K^{}`$-group of finite Morley rank. Assume that there exist two definable subgroups $`N,HG`$ such that $`NH`$ and $`\overline{H}:=H/N`$ is a proper simple section of $`G`$ allowing no graph automorphisms. Then $`N_G(H)=C_{N_G(H)}(\overline{H})H`$.

Proof. Let $`gN_G(H)`$ and set $`R:=d(g)`$. $`RN_G(H)`$ acts on $`\overline{H}`$. As $`G`$ is a $`K^{}`$-group and $`H`$ is a proper simple section, $`H`$ is a simple algebraic group over an algebraically closed field. Consider the semidirect product $`\overline{H}R/C_R(\overline{H})`$. Then, viewing $`R/C_R(\overline{H})`$ as a subgroup of $`Aut(\overline{H})`$, $`R/C_R(\overline{H})Inn(\overline{H})\mathrm{\Gamma }`$, where $`\mathrm{\Gamma }`$ are the graph automorphisms of $`\overline{H}`$ by \[10, 8.4\]. As $`\mathrm{\Gamma }=1`$, either $`gC_{N_G(H)}(\overline{H})`$ or there exists an $`hH`$ such that $`x^gx^hN`$ for all $`xH`$ and $`gh^1C_{N_G(H)}(\overline{H})`$. Thus $`gC_{N_G(H)}(\overline{H})H`$. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 4

Let $`H`$ be a group of finite Morley rank, such that $`H^{}`$ is a reductive algebraic group and let $`\overline{H}^{}:=H^{}/Z(H^{})`$. Then $`C_{C_H(Z(H^{}))}(H^{})=C_{C_H(Z(H^{}))}(\overline{H}^{})`$.

Proof. Let $`gC_H(\overline{H}^{})C_H(Z(H^{}))`$. As $`H^{}`$ is reductive, $`\overline{H}^{}`$ is a simple group by \[11, 27.5\] and $`m:=o(\overline{g})<|H/H^{}|`$. Set $`z_x:=x^1x^gZ(H^{})`$ for all $`xH^{}`$. Then, as $`x^g=xz_x`$, $`x=x^{g^m}=xz_x^m`$ and $`o(z_x)|m`$ for all $`xH^{}`$. On the other hand $`(x^m)^g=(xz_x)^m=x^mz_x^m`$ and $`gC_H(x^m)`$ for all $`xH^{}`$. Especially $`C_P(g)=P`$, for any maximal torus $`P`$ of $`H^{}`$, since maximal tori are divisible. As finally $`H^{}`$ is a reductive algebraic group, $`H^{}=P^h|hH^{}C_H(g)`$ by \[11, ex. 12, p. 162\] and $`gC_H(H^{})`$. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Theorem 5

Let $`G`$ be a simple $`K^{}`$-group of finite Morley rank that does not interpret a bad field. Assume that $`C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))PSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$ for an involution $`iG`$ where $`K`$ is an algebraically closed field of characteristic not $`2`$. Then $`G`$ contains an involution $`j`$, such that $`C_G(j)^{}SL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$.

Proof. Let $`S`$ be Sylow 2-subgroup of $`G`$ that contains $`i`$ and $`DS^{}`$ a four-subgroup. We may assume that $`iD`$ by Proposition 2. Set $`T:=C_G(D)^{}`$. Hence $`O(C_G(t))=1`$ for all $`tD^{}`$ by Proposition 2 again. Furthermore $`G=C_G(k)^{}|kD_1^{}`$ for any four-subgroup $`D_1G`$ by . Set $`T:=C_G(D)^{}`$ and let $`u(C_G(D)C_G(i)^{})\backslash T`$. Then $`C_T(u)=Z(C_G(i)^{})`$.

Assume that $`C_G(j)^{}GL_2(K)`$ for some $`jD^{}`$. Then there exists an involution $`wC_G(j)^{}N_G(D)`$ such that $`i^w=ij`$. Then $`uu^w=w^uwC_G(D)C_G(j)^{}=T`$. Furthermore, as $`u`$ centralises $`Z(C_G(i)^{})`$, $`u^w`$ centralises $`Z(C_G(i)^{})`$ as well. On the other hand $`C_T(u^w)=C_T(u)^w=Z(C_G(ij)^{})`$. Contradiction as $`Z(C_G(ij)^{})Z(C_G(i)^{})`$.

Assume that $`C_G(j)^{}PSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$ for some $`jD^{}`$, $`ji`$. Let $`vC_{C_G(j)^{}}(D)\backslash T`$ be an involution. As $`C_T(v)^{}=Z(C_G(j)^{})`$, $`vC_G(i)\backslash C_G(i)^{}`$. Let $`C:=C_G(i)^{}`$ and $`\overline{C}:=C/Z(C)`$. By Lemma 3 $`C_G(i)=C_{C_G(i)}(\overline{C})C`$.

$`v`$ normalises $`Z(C)K^{}`$ and $`G`$ does not interpret a bad field. Thus $`v`$ either inverts $`Z(C)`$ or centralizes it by \[10, 10.5\]. Since $`C_T(v)=Z(C_G(j)^{})`$, the second case cannot occur and $`v`$ inverts $`Z(C)`$. Let $`xC`$, such that $`xvC_{C_G(i)}(\overline{C})`$. Then $`xN_G(D)C=Tu`$ and $`xv`$ inverts $`Z(C)`$. As $`u`$ inverts $`Z(C_G(j)^{})`$ as above, $`yv`$ inverts $`T`$ for all $`yuT`$. Hence $`xT`$, since $`xvC_{C_G(i)}(\overline{C})`$. Furthermore we may assume that $`xZ(C_G(j)^{})`$, as $`T=Z(C_G(j)^{})Z(C)`$. Thus $`(xv)^2=x^2C_C(\overline{C})=Z(C)Z(C_G(j)^{})=1`$ by Lemma 4 and $`xj`$. Then $`[xv,C]Z(C)`$ and $`C=Z(C)C_C(xv)`$ by \[10, ex. 10, p. 98\] where $`Z(C)C_C(xv)=i`$. Set $`H:=C_C(xv)^{}`$. As $`CPSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$, $`HPSL_2(K)`$ and $`C=Z(C)\times H`$. As $`xj`$, $`xvI(C_G(D))`$. Thus $`D_1:=i,xv`$ is a four-subgroup and $`G:=C_G(k)|kD_1^{}`$. Furthermore $`HC_G(D_1)`$. As $`H`$ is a normal subgroup of $`C_G(i)^{}`$ and $`G`$ is simple, $`H`$ cannot be a normal subgroup of both $`C_G(ux)`$ and $`C_G(uxi)`$. As $`ux`$ and $`uxi`$ are conjugate to involutions in $`D`$ by elementary computation in $`GL_2(K)/<I>`$, this implies that $`C_G(k)SL(2,K)SL(2,K)`$ for $`k=ux`$ or $`k=uxi`$ by Proposition 2.

As finally $`G=C_G(k)^{}|kD^{}`$, it is impossible that $`C_G(k)^{}`$ is abelian for all $`kD\backslash i`$. This implies the claim by Proposition 2. $`\mathrm{}`$

Thus Theorem 1 basically consists of two parts. The first one is the characterization of $`PSp_4`$ as in .

###### Fact 6

Let $`C_1`$ and $`C_2`$ be the non-isomorphic centralizers in $`PSp_4(K)`$ of two involutions where K is an algebraically closed field of characteristic not $`2`$. Let $`G`$ be a $`K^{}`$-group of finite Morley rank that does not interpret a bad field. Assume that $`G`$ contains two involutions $`i`$ and $`j`$ such that $`C_G(i)C_1`$ and $`C_G(j)C_2`$. Then $`GPSp_4(K)`$.

The corresponding result for $`G_2(K)`$ is the following theorem, which will be proven in the following section.

###### Theorem 7

Let $`C`$ be the centralizer in $`G_2(K)`$ of an involutions where K is an algebraically closed field of characteristic not $`2`$. Let $`G`$ be a $`K^{}`$-group of finite Morley rank that does not interpret a bad field. Assume that $`G`$ contains one conjugacy class $`i^G`$ of involutions such that $`C_G(i)C`$. Then $`GG_2(K)`$ if $`char(K)3`$.

## 3 A characterization of $`G_2(K)`$

In this section we prove Theorem 7. Let $`G`$ be as in Theorem 7, $`D:=i_0,i_1`$ a four-subgroup which is contained in the connected component of a Sylow 2-subgroup of $`G`$ and set $`i_2=i_0i_1`$. Let furthermore $`T:=C_G(D)^{}`$. $`C_G(i_0)`$ contains four quasiunipotent subgroups which are normalized by $`T`$ and isomorphic to $`K^+`$. Let $`X`$ and $`Y`$ be two of them that centralize each other and let $`v`$ be an involution in $`N_{C_G(i_0)}(T)\backslash T`$ that normalizes $`X`$. Write $`\overline{x}:=xT`$ for all $`xN_G(T)`$.

###### Lemma 8

Let $`W:=N_G(T)/T`$. Then $`|W|=12`$ and $`W`$ is generated by two involutions $`\overline{w}`$ and $`\overline{v}`$, where $`wI(C_G(i_1))`$, such that $`i_0^{wv}=i_1=i_2^{vw}`$ and $`o(wv)=6`$. The center of $`W`$ is $`\overline{z}`$ where $`z:=(wv)^3`$. Set $`y:=(wv)^4=(wv)z`$ and $`w_{k+1}:=w^{y^k}`$, $`v_k:=v^{y^k}`$ for $`k`$. Then $`\overline{w}_k=\overline{w_{k+3}}`$ and $`\overline{v}_k=\overline{v_{k+3}}`$. The elements in $`W`$ are hence

$$\overline{1},\overline{z}=\overline{(wv)^3},\overline{wv}=\overline{yz},\overline{(wv)^2}=\overline{y^1},\overline{(wv)^4}=\overline{y},\overline{(wv)^5}=\overline{vw}=\overline{y^1z}$$

and

$$\overline{w}_{k+1}=\overline{w^{(vw)^{2k}}}=\overline{y^kw}\text{ and }\overline{v}_k=\overline{v^{(vw)^{2k}}}=\overline{y^kv}$$

for $`k=0,1,2`$.

Proof. As $`G`$ contains one conjugacy class of involutions, all involutions of $`D`$ are conjugate in $`N_G(T)`$ by \[10, 10.22\]. $`N_G(D)/C_G(D)S_3`$, $`N_G(T)=N_G(D)`$ and $`|C_G(D)/C_G(T)|=2`$, which implies that $`W`$ is the dihedral group of order 12. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 9

Let $`w_0,v_0`$ as in Lemma 8. Then $`w_0TXw_0TXw_0X`$ and $`v_0TYv_0TYv_0Y`$. Furthermore $`C_G(i_0)^{}=T,X,Y,v_0,w_0`$.

Proof.$`L:=X,T,X^{w_0}`$ is a reductive algebraic group of rank $`1`$. $`L`$ has thus a $`BN`$-pair $`(B_1,N_1)`$, where $`B_1:=TX`$ and $`N_1=w_0,T`$. Hence $`w_0TXw_0TXTXw_0X=TXw_0X`$ and $`L:=T,X,w_o`$. The same argument for $`Y,T,Y_0`$ yields the remaining part of the lemma. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 10

Let $`X_1:=X`$, $`Y_1:=Y`$, $`X_2:=X_1^{w_0}`$, $`Y_2:=Y_1^{v_0}`$ and $`X_n^{(\lambda )}:=X_n^{y^\lambda }`$ as well as $`Y_n^{(\lambda )}:=Y_n^{y^\lambda }`$ for any $`n=1,2`$ and $`\lambda `$. Then

* $`X_n^{(\lambda )}=X_n^{(\lambda +3)}`$ and $`Y_n^{(\lambda )}=Y_n^{(\lambda +3)}`$ for all $`n=1,2`$ and $`\lambda `$.
* $`v_\lambda `$ centralizes $`X_n^{(\lambda )}`$ and $`w_\lambda `$ centralizes $`Y_n^{(\lambda )}`$ for $`\lambda =0,1,2`$ and $`n=1,2`$.
* $`(X_1^{(\kappa )})^{w_\lambda }=X_2^{(2\kappa \lambda )}`$ and $`(X_1^{(\kappa )})^{v_\lambda }=X_1^{(2\kappa \lambda )}`$ for $`\kappa ,\lambda =0,1,2`$.
* $`(Y_1^{(\kappa )})^{w_\lambda }=Y_1^{(2\kappa \lambda )}`$ and $`(Y_1^{(\kappa )})^{v_\lambda }=Y_2^{(2\kappa \lambda )}`$ for $`\kappa ,\lambda =0,1,2`$.

Proof. Since $`\overline{y^3}=\overline{1}`$, $`(i)`$ follows. We have furthermore chosen $`w_0`$ such that $`w_0`$ centralizes $`Y_1`$. Hence $`v_0`$ has to centralize $`X_1`$ which yields $`(ii)`$. To prove $`(iii)`$ note that $`\overline{y^\lambda }=\overline{w_\lambda w_0}=\overline{v_\lambda v_0}`$ and hence

$$\overline{y^\kappa w_\lambda y^{\lambda 2\kappa }w_0}=\overline{y^{3\kappa \lambda }w_\lambda w_0}=\overline{y^\lambda y^\lambda }=\overline{1}$$

and

$$\overline{y^\kappa v_\lambda y^{\lambda 2\kappa }v_0}=\overline{y^{3\kappa \lambda }v_\lambda v_0}=\overline{1}$$

for $`\lambda ,\kappa 0,1,2`$. Since however $`X_1^{w_0}=X_2`$, $`X_1^{v_0}=X_1`$, $`Y_1^{w_0}=Y_1`$ and $`Y_1^{v_0}=Y_2`$ by $`(ii)`$, $`(iii)`$ and $`(iv)`$ follow. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 11

Let $`G`$ be a connected $`K`$-group of finite Morley rank such that the solvable radical $`\sigma `$ of $`G`$ is finite. Then $`G`$ is a central product of quasi-simple algebraic groups over algebraically closed fields.

Proof. Since any definable action of a definable connected group on a finite set is trivial $`\sigma =Z(G)`$. Furthermore $`G/\sigma `$ is isomorphic to the direct product of simple algebraic groups over algebraically closed fields by . Then $`G/\sigma =(G/\sigma )^{}=G^{}\sigma /\sigma G^{}/(G^{}\sigma )`$ and $`rk(G)=rk(G^{})`$. As $`G`$ is connected, $`G=G^{}`$ and $`G`$ is semisimple. Assume that $`G`$ is quasi-simple. Then $`G`$ is an algebraic group by . Let now $`G/\sigma A_1\times \mathrm{}\times A_m`$ for some $`m`$, where $`A_i`$ are simple algebraic groups over algebraically closed fields for $`1im`$. Let $`G_i`$ be the preimages of $`A_i`$ in $`G`$ for $`1im`$. Then $`G=G_1^{}\mathrm{}.G_m^{}`$. Now $`[G_i^{},G_j^{}]`$ is a connected subgroup of $`\sigma `$ and hence trivial for any $`1i<jm`$. Furthermore $`[G_i^{},G_i^{}]=G_i^{}`$ for any $`1im`$ as above. Thus $`G`$ is a central product of $`m`$ quasi-simple algebraic groups by the first case. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Proposition 12

If $`char(K)3`$ then there exists an element $`t`$ of order 3, such that $`C_G(t)^{}SL_3(K)`$. Actually $`C_G(t)^{}SL_3(K)`$ for exactly two elements of order 3 in $`T`$.

Proof. Assume that $`char(K)`$ is not 3. Since $`y^3T`$, $`y=y^{}t`$, where we can choose $`y^{}`$ to be a 3-element by \[10, ex. 11, p. 93\]. Let $`P`$ be a Sylow 3-subgroup of $`N_G(T)`$. Since $`N_G(T)`$ is solvable, $`P`$ is nilpotent-by-finite by \[10, 6.20\]. Hence there exists an element $`tTZ(P)`$ by \[10, ex. 12, p. 14\]. It follows that $`t`$ is centralized by $`y`$. Thus $`(t^{w_0}t)^{y^2}=(t^{w_0}t)^{w_2w_0}=t^{yw_0}t=t^{w_0}t`$ and $`t^{w_0}tC_T(y)`$. Hence either $`t^{w_0}=t^1`$ or $`t^{w_0}tC_T(y)`$ is an element of order 3 that is inverted by $`w_0`$. We may assume that $`t`$ is inverted by $`w_0`$. Now $`C_G(t)^{}=C_{C_G(t)}(l)^{}|lD^{}`$ and $`C_{C_G(i_0)}(t)=C_{C_G(i_1)}(t)^{y^2}=C_{C_G(i_2)}(t)^y`$. However, $`C_{C_G(i_0)}(t)^{}GL_2(K)`$.

We show that the solvable radical $`\sigma `$ of $`C_G(t)^{}`$ is finite. $`\sigma `$ is normalized by $`T`$ and hence $`\sigma ^{}=C_\sigma (l)^{}|lD`$ by \[9, 4.12\]. However, $`C_\sigma (l)^{}Z(C_{C_G(l)}(t)^{})`$ for all $`lD^{}`$ as $`C_\sigma (l)^{}`$ is contained in the solvable radical of $`C_{C_G(l)}(t)^{}`$. Thus $`\sigma ^{}_{lD^{}}Z(C_{C_G(l)}(t)^{})T`$. One the other hand $`Z(C_{C_G(i_0)}(t)^{})K^{}`$ and as $`G`$ does not interpret a bad field, $`\sigma `$ is either finite or $`i_0Z(C_{C_G(i_0)}(t)^{})=Z(C_{C_G(i_1)}(t)^{})`$. The second case cannot occur since $`C_G(D)^{}=T`$ and $`\sigma `$ finite.

Thus $`C_G(t)^{}`$ is a central product of quasi-simple algebraic groups by Lemma 11 and $`C_G(t)^{}SL_3(K)`$. Furthermore $`TC_G(t)^{}`$ contains eight elements of order 3 and while $`y`$ centralizes exactly $`t`$ and $`t^1`$, $`yw`$ operates transitively on the remaining six. $`\mathrm{}`$

The following two propositions can be proven exactly as the corresponding results in .

###### Proposition 13

There exists a subgroup $`VG`$ such that $`V`$ is a maximal quasiunipotent group and is normalized by $`T`$.

###### Proposition 14

Let $`V`$ a maximal quasiunipotent group of $`G`$ which is normalized by $`T`$. Then $`N_G(V)^{}=VT`$.

Now we can construct a $`BN`$-pair as in 

###### Proposition 15

If $`char(K)3`$ then there exists a maximal quasiunipotent group $`Q`$ in $`G`$ which is normalized by $`T`$ such that

* $`Q=VY_1`$ where $`V`$ is normalized by $`v_0`$ and
* $`Q=MX_2^{(1)}`$ where $`M`$ is normalized by $`w_1`$.

Furthermore $`Q=X_1,X_2^{(1)},X_2^{(2)},Y_1,Y_2^{(1)},Y_1^{(2)}`$.

Proof. Since $`char(K)`$ is not $`3`$, there exists an element $`tT`$ of order 3, such that $`C_G(t)^{}SL_3(K)`$. We can hence assume that $`C_G(t)^{}`$ contains the maximal quasiunipotent subgroup $`U:=X_1X_2^{(1)},X_2^{(2)}`$, where $`X_1`$ is central in $`U`$. Consider $`C_G(X_1)`$. We proceed as in . $`UC_G(X_1)`$ and $`L:=T,Y_1,Y_2C_G(X_1)`$. Thus $`C_G(X_1)^{}`$ is not solvable. Furthermore $`C_G(X_1)^{}`$ has Prüfer 2-rank 1, since $`C_G(T)^{}=T`$. Thus $`C_G(X_1)^{}/\sigma PSL_2(K)`$ by  and , where $`\sigma `$ is the solvable radical of $`C_G(X_1)`$. On the other hand $`L\sigma /\sigma L/(\sigma L)L/Z(L)PSL_2(K)`$. Hence $`C_G(X_1)^{}=L\sigma ^{}`$ and $`U\sigma `$. Set $`V:=Q(\sigma )`$. Then $`V^{v_0}=V`$.

Assume that $`U=V`$. Then $`Y_1U`$ is a quasiunipotent group by . Especially $`Y_1U`$ is nilpotent and $`W:=Y_1X_1<Y_1U`$ has infinite index in $`N:=N_{Y_1U}(W)^{}`$ by \[10, 6.3\]. $`N`$ is a quasiunipotent group that is normalized by $`T`$ and hence $`N=C_N(l)^{}|lD^{}`$ by \[9, 4.6\]. Furthermore $`C_N(i_0)=W`$ and $`C_N(i_k)`$ is either trivial or equals $`X_2^{(k)}`$ for $`k=1,2`$ as $`T`$ normalises $`N`$ and acts transitively on $`X_2\backslash \{1\}`$. We may assume that $`X_2^{(1)}N`$.

Set $`P:=WX_1^{(2)}T`$. Then $`PN_G(W)`$. Let $`wW\backslash \{1\}`$ such that $`C_G(w)T=i_0`$. As $`T`$ acts transitively on $`W\backslash \{1\}`$, for any element $`xP`$, there exists an element $`t_xT`$ such that $`w^x=w^{t_x}`$. Thus $`PC_P(w)T`$. As $`i_1`$ and $`i_2`$ invert $`W`$, $`C_P(w)`$ is a solvable group normalized by $`D`$. Thus $`C_P(w)^{}=C_{C_P(w)}(l)^{}|lD^{}`$ by \[10, 4.6\]. Furthermore $`(C_P(w)C_G(i_0))^{}=W`$, $`(C_P(w)C_G(i_1))^{}X_1^2`$ and $`(C_P(w)C_G(i_2))^{}=1`$. Thus $`Q:=C_P(w)^{}WX_1^{(2)}`$ is a quasiunipotent subgroup of $`P`$ containing $`W`$. Since there is a definable surjective map from $`C_P(w)\times T`$ onto $`N_P(W)`$

$$rk\left(WX_1^{(2)}\right)+rk(T)=rk\left(N_P(W)\right)rk\left(C_P(w)\right)+rk(T)=rk(Q)+rk(T).$$

Thus $`Q=WX_1^{(2)}`$ and $`N_P(W)=C_P(w)^{}T`$. Especially $`QC_P(w^t)`$ for all $`tT`$ and hence $`QC_G(W)`$ as $`T`$ acts transitively on $`W`$. Thus $`X_2^{(1)}C_G(W)`$ and $`X_2^{(1)}`$ centralizes $`Y_1`$. This implies that $`Y_1^{(1)}=Y_1^{w_2}C_G(X_2^{(1)})^{w_2}=C_G(X_1)`$. As $`C_G(X_1)^{}=L\sigma `$ this implies that $`Y_1^{(1)}V`$. Contradiction.

Hence $`U<V`$ and either $`Y_2^{(1)},(Y_2^{(1)})^{v_0}V`$ or $`Y_1^{(1)},(Y_1^{(1)})^{v_0}V`$. We may assume that $`V=Y_2^{(1)},Y_1^{(2)},U`$. Set $`Q:=Y_1V`$. $`Q`$ is obviously a maximal quasiunipotent subgroup of $`G`$ and $`V`$ is normalized by $`v_0`$ by construction. Set $`Y:=Y_1,Y_2^{(1)},Y_1^{(2)}`$. Then $`Y`$ is invariant under $`w_1`$ and $`M:=QQ^{w_1}=Y,X_1X_2^{(2)}`$. Furthermore $`M`$ is normalized by $`X_2^{(1)}`$, since $`N_Q(M)^{}=Q`$ by \[10, 6.3\] as in the previous paragraph. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Theorem 16

If $`char(K)3`$, $`G`$ is a split BN-pair of Tits rank 2, where $`B:=N_G(Q)^{}`$, $`N:=N_G(T)`$ and $`\overline{w}_2,\overline{v}_0`$ are the generators of the Weyl group.

This proves our result, Theorem 7, by , noting that the gap in the proof of the necessary theorem is filled by .

Proof.$`G=C_G(k)|kD^{}`$ by  and $`N,X_1Y_1C_G(i_0)`$ by Lemma 9. Thus $`G=B,N`$ as $`i_1,i_2`$ are conjugate to $`i_0`$ in $`N`$. BN1 now follows since by Proposition 14 $`B=QT`$ and thus $`BN=TN`$. Furthermore $`\overline{v}_0,\overline{w}_1=N_G(T)/T`$ by Lemma 8 proving BN2. Let $`S:=\{\overline{v}_0,\overline{w}_1\}`$ and $`W:=N/T`$.

To prove BN3 we will show that $`vBwBvwBBvB`$ for all $`v,wN`$ such that $`\overline{v}W`$ and $`\overline{w}S`$. By Lemma 10 and Proposition 15

$$1Bv_0B1v_0B$$

$$v_0Bv_0=v_0TY_1Vv_0TY_1v_0Y_1VBv_0B$$

$$v_2Bv_0=v_2TY_1Vv_0=TY_2^{(1)}v_2v_0VBv_2v_0B$$

$$w_0Bv_0=w_0TY_1Vv_0=TY_1w_0v_0VBw_0v_0B$$

$$w_1Bv_0=w_1TY_1Vv_0=TY_1^{(2)}w_1v_0VBw_1v_0B$$

$$y^2Bv_0=y^2TY_1Vv_0=TY_1^{(2)}y^2v_0VBy^2v_0B$$

$$v_0w_1Bv_0=v_0w_1TY_1Vv_0=TY_2^{(1)}v_0w_1v_0Bv_0w_1v_0B$$

and thus

$$zBv_0=(zv_0)v_0Bv_0w_0Bv_0BBw_0v_0B=BzB$$

$$w_1v_0Bv_0w_1Bv_0BBw_1v_0B$$

$$w_2Bv_0=(w_2v_0)v_0Bv_0v_0w_1Bv_0BBv_0w_1v_0B=Bw_2B.$$

Finally

$$yBv_0=yTY_1Vv_0=TY_1^{(1)}yv_0V=TY_1^{(1)}v_1V=Tv_1Y_1^{(2)}VByv_0B$$

which gives us

$$v_1Bv_0=(v_1v_0)v_0Bv_0yBv_0BByv_0B=Bv_1B.$$

On the other hand

$$1Bw_1B1w_1B$$

$$w_1Bw_1=w_1TX_2^{(1)}Mw_1TX_2^{(1)}w_1X_2^{(1)}MBw_1B$$

$$v_1Bw_1=v_1TX_2^{(1)}Mw_1=TX_2^{(1)}v_1w_1MBv_1w_1B$$

$$w_2Bw_1=w_2TX_2^{(1)}Mw_1=TX_1w_2w_1MBw_2w_1B$$

$$v_0Bw_1=v_0TX_2^{(1)}Mw_1=TX_2^{(2)}v_0w_1MBv_0w_1B$$

$$yBw_1=yTX_2^{(1)}Mw_1=TX_2^{(2)}yw_1MByw_1B$$

$$w_1v_0Bw_1=w_1v_0TX_2^{(1)}Mw_1=TX_1w_1v_0w_1Bw_1v_0w_1B$$

and thus

$$zBw_1=(zw_1)w_1Bw_1v_1Bw_1BBv_1w_1B=BzB$$

$$v_0w_1Bw_1v_0Bw_1BBv_0w_1B$$

$$w_2Bw_1=(w_2w_1)w_1Bw_1yBw_1BByw_1B=Bw_2B.$$

Finally

$$y^2Bw_1=y^2TX_2^{(1)}Mw_1=TX_2y^2w_1M=TX_2w_0M=Tw_0X_1MBy^2w_1B$$

which gives us

$$v_2Bw_1=(v_2w_1)w_1Bw_1w_1v_0Bw_1BBw_1v_0w_1B=Bv_2B.$$

and BN3 is valid. By Proposition 15 again $`Q^{v_0}=VY_2VY_1=Q`$ and $`Q^{w_2}=MX_1^{(1)}MX_1^{(2)}=Q`$ which proves BN4 and gives us the theorem. $`\mathrm{}`$

## 4 Proof of Theorem 1

This section is devoted to the proof that Theorems 6 and 7 imply Theorem 1.

Let $`G`$ be a group as in Theorem 1. By Theorem 5 there exists an involution $`iG`$, such that $`C_G(i)^{}/O(C_G(i))L_1L_2`$ where $`L_nSL_2(K)`$ for an algebraically closed field $`K`$ of characteristic neither $`2`$ nor $`3`$ and $`n=1,2`$. We may assume that $`iC_G(i)^{}`$ by Lemma 2. Thus $`L_1L_2=\overline{\text{ı}}`$. Let $`S`$ be a Sylow 2-subgroup of $`C_G(i)`$, $`D`$ a four-subgroup such that $`DS^{}`$ and set $`T:=C_G(D)^{}`$. Then $`D`$ contains a central involution of $`S`$ by \[10, ex. 12, p. 14\] which means that $`i`$ is central in $`S`$, since $`j`$ and $`ij`$ are conjugate in $`S`$ for $`jD\backslash i`$.

###### Proposition 17

$`G=C_G(k)^{}|kD_1^{}`$ for any four-subgroup $`D_1G`$ and $`O(C_G(k))=1`$ for all $`kD^{}`$.

Proof.$`O(C_G(t))=1`$ for all $`tD^{}`$ by Proposition 2 and $`G=C_G(k)^{}|kD_1^{}`$ for any four-subgroup $`D_1G`$ by . $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Corollary 18

$`C_G(k)^{}`$ is nonabelian for all $`kD^{}`$.

Proof. Assume that $`C_G(j)^{}`$ is abelian for some $`jD^{}`$. Then $`C_G(j)^{}C_G(i)^{}`$ since $`iC_G(j)^{}`$. As furthermore $`j`$ and $`ij`$ are conjugate, $`G=C_G(i)^{}`$ by Proposition 17. Contradiction. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Corollary 19

Let $`jD^{}`$. If $`i`$ and $`j`$ are not conjugate in $`G`$, then $`C_G(j)^{}PSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$.

Proof. Let $`jD^{}`$ be not conjugate to $`i`$. Then $`j`$ is conjugate to $`ij`$ in $`C_G(i)^{}`$. Now $`C_G(j)^{}`$ is not abelian by Corollary 18. Furthermore $`C_G(D)^{}K^{}\times K^{}`$ and there are only three possibilities by Proposition 2, namely $`C_G(j)^{}GL_2(K)`$, $`C_G(j)^{}PSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$ or $`C_G(j)^{}SL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$. The first and third case cannot occur since $`i`$ and $`ij`$ are not conjugate, which proves the claim. $`\mathrm{}`$

We have to distinguish two different cases:

* $`C_G(i)`$ is connected.
* $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected.

We are going to show that $`GG_2(K)`$ in the first case and $`GPSp_4(K)`$ in the second case. Assume from now on that $`D=i,j`$.

###### Lemma 20

If $`C_G(i)`$ is connected, then $`G`$ contains one conjugacy class of involutions.

Proof.$`SC_G(i)`$, since $`iZ(S)`$. As Sylow 2-subgroups of $`G`$ are conjugate, and as $`C_G(i)`$ contains only two conjugacy classes of involutions $`i`$ and $`j^{C_G(i)}`$ – all elements of order 4 are conjugate in $`SL_2(K)`$ –, it is enough to show that $`i`$ and $`j`$ are conjugate.

Assume that $`j`$ is not conjugate to $`i`$ and let $`wN_G(T)`$ such that $`Dw`$ is an elementary abelian 2-subgroup of order $`8`$. Then $`C_G(D)=Tw`$ and $`w`$ inverts $`T`$. As $`i`$ and $`ij`$ are not conjugate in $`G`$, $`C_G(j)^{}PSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$ by Corollary 19. Let $`u(N_G(T)C_G(j)^{})\backslash T`$ be an involution. Then $`uC_G(D)`$, i.e. since $`C_G(D)=Tw`$, $`u=tw`$ for some $`tT`$. Thus $`u`$ has to invert $`T`$. Contradiction as $`Z(C_G(j)^{})T`$ is infinite. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Corollary 21

If $`C_G(i)`$ is connected, then $`GG_2(K)`$.

Proof. If $`C_G(i)`$ is connected, then $`G`$ contains one conjugacy class of involutions by Lemma 20. Since furthermore the centralisers of involutions in $`G_2(K)`$ are isomorphic to $`SL_2(K)SL_2(K)`$, the claim follows by Theorem 7. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 22

$`N_G(L_1)=C_G(i)^{}C_G(C_G(i)^{})`$.

Proof. As $`C_G(i)^{}C_G(C_G(i)^{})N_G(L_1)`$, we only need to prove the reverse inclusion. Let $`gN_G(L_1)`$. As $`Z(L_1)=i`$, $`gC_G(i)`$ and $`gN_G(L_2)`$ as well by \[10, 7.1\]. By Lemma 3 and Lemma 4, $`gC_G(L_1)L_1C_G(L_2)L_2`$. Thus there exists $`l_nL_n`$ for $`n=1,2`$ such that $`gl_nC_G(L_n)`$. As $`L_1`$ and $`L_2`$ commute, $`gl_1l_2C_G(L_1)C_G(L_2)`$ and hence $`gC_G(C_G(i)^{})C_G(i)^{}`$. $`\mathrm{}`$

Set $`K_s:=C_G(C_G(s)^{})`$ for all involutions $`sG`$.

###### Lemma 23

Let $`sI(G)`$. Then $`K_sC_G(s)^{}=Z(C_G(s)^{})`$. Furthermore

* $`K_i`$ is a finite group,
* $`I(K_i)=i`$,
* $`K_iK_s=1`$ for all $`sD^{}`$ such that $`is`$.

Proof. As $`Z(C_G(i)^{})=i`$, $`K_iC_G(i)`$ and $`K_iC_G(i)^{}=i`$. Hence $`K_i^{}C_G(i)^{}K_i=i`$ and $`K_i`$ is a finite group, proving $`(i)`$.

To show $`(ii)`$ let $`tI(K)`$ be an involution. Then $`O(C_G(t))=1`$ by . Assume that $`C_G(t)^{}>C_G(i)^{}`$. Then $`C_G(t)^{}G_2`$ or $`C_G(t)^{}PSp_4(K)`$ by  as $`pr(C_G(t)^{})=pr(G)=2`$. However this would imply that $`C_G(j)^{},C_G(ij)^{}C_G(t)^{}`$ by Proposition 2 and $`G=C_G(t)^{}`$ by Proposition 17. Contradiction. Thus $`C_G(t)^{}=C_G(i)^{}=C_G(it)^{}`$ and $`t=i`$, as otherwise $`i,t`$ is a four-subgroup and $`G=C_G(i)^{}`$ by Proposition 17.

Let finally $`sD^{}`$ such that $`si`$. As $`C_G(i)^{},C_G(s)^{}C_G(K_iK_s)`$ and $`si`$ is conjugate to $`s`$ in $`C_G(i)^{}`$, \[9, 5.14\] and Proposition 17 imply that $`C_G(K_sK_t)^{}=G`$. As $`G`$ is simple, $`K_iK_s=1`$. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Corollary 24

$`C_G(i)=(C_G(i)^{}K_i)v`$ for any $`vG`$ such that $`L_1^v=L_2`$. In this case $`v^2C_G(i)^{}K_i`$ and we can choose $`vN_G(T)`$ to be a 2-element.

Proof. Assume that there exists an element $`vG`$ such that $`L_1^v=L_2`$. As $`Z(L_1)=Z(L_2)=i`$, $`vC_G(i)\backslash C_G(i)^{}`$, $`L_2^v=L_1`$ by \[10, 7.1\] and $`v^2C_G(i)^{}K_i`$ by Lemma 22.

Let $`xC_G(i)`$. There are two possibilities: Either $`xN_G(L_1)=C_G(i)^{}K_i`$ by Lemma 22 and Lemma 23 or $`L_1^x=L_2`$ and $`L_2^x=L_1`$ by \[10, 7.1\]. In the second case $`xvN_G(L_1)=C_G(i)^{}K_i`$ by Lemma 22 again. Thus $`x(C_G(i)^{}K_i)v`$ in all cases.

Let finally $`d(v)=V\times F`$, where $`V`$ is a connected divisible group and $`F=f`$ a finite cylic group by \[10, ex. 10, p. 93\]. Then $`VC_G(i)^{}`$ and $`f^2N_G(L_1)`$. Thus $`f`$ has even order. Let $`o(f)=2^km`$ where $`k1`$ and $`m`$ is odd. Then $`f^m`$ is a 2-element such that $`L_1^{f^m}=L_2`$. Furthermore $`f^m`$ is contained in a Sylow 2-subgroup of $`C_G(i)`$ and as they are all conjugate to each other, we may assume that $`f^mN_G(T)`$. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Lemma 25

If all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate, then $`K_i=i`$.

Proof. Assume that all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate. Then there exists an element $`yN_G(T)`$, such that $`i^y=j`$ by \[10, 10.22\]. Let $`wN_G(T)C_G(i)^{}`$ such that $`E:=Dw`$ is an elementary abelian 2-subgroup of order $`8`$. $`w`$ inverts $`T`$ and all other involutions that invert $`T`$ are contained in $`wC_G(T)=wTK_i`$ by Corollary 24. However, $`I(wTK_i)=wT`$ by Lemma 23 and $`w^ywT`$. $`K_i`$ acts hence on $`C_G(j)^{}`$ centralising $`Tw`$. Thus $`K_iC_G(j)^{}K_j`$ by Corollary 24. Let $`kK_i`$ and $`xC_G(j)^{}`$, $`k_1K_j`$ such that $`k=xk_1`$. Then $`x=kk_1^1C_G(E)C_G(j)^{}=E`$. Thus $`K_jEK_i`$. Furthermore $`K_{ij}=K_j^{w_1}EK_i`$, where $`w_1L_1N_G(E)`$ is an involution conjugating $`j`$ and $`ij`$. Let now $`k:=|K_i|`$. As all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate, $`k=|K_l|`$ for all $`lD^{}`$. Furthermore $`|EK_i|=4k`$ as $`EK_i=i`$. On the other hand $`K_i,K_j,K_{ij}EK_i`$ and all three subgroups normalise each other. Hence $`k^34k`$ by Lemma 23 and $`k=2`$. Thus $`K=i`$, if all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Proposition 26

If all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate, then $`C_G(i)`$ is connected.

Proof. Suppose that all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate. Then $`K_i=i`$ by Lemma 25. Assume that $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected. Then there exists a 2-element $`vN_G(T)`$ such that $`C_G(i)=C_G(i)^{}v`$ where $`L_1^v=L_2`$ by Lemma 24. As $`v^2C_G(i)^{}`$ is a 2-element, it is contained in a maximal torus of $`C_G(i)^{}`$. As maximal tori are divisible, there exists an element $`tC_G(i)^{}`$, such that $`t^2=v^2`$. Assume that $`t=t_1t_2^v`$, where $`t_1,t_2L_1`$. Then

$$()1=v^2t^2=v^2(t_2^{2v}t_1^2)=vt_2^2vt_1^2.$$

On the other hand $`v^2C_G(v)`$ and thus $`t_1^2t_2^{2v}=(t_1^2t_2^{2v})^v=t_2^{2v^2}t_1^{2v}`$. This implies that

$$t_2^{2v^2}t_1^2=t_1^{2v}t_2^{2v}L_1L_2=i$$

Hence either $`t_1^2=t_2^2`$ or $`t_1^2=it_2^2`$. Set $`s:=t_1^2`$. If $`t^2=ss^v`$, then $`()`$ implies that $`vs^1`$ is an involution. If $`t^2=iss^v`$, then $`(vs^1)^2=i`$. By replacing $`v`$ with a conjugate of $`vs^1`$, we may assume that $`vN_G(T)`$, such that $`v^2i`$.

As all involutions in $`D`$ are conjugate and $`j`$ is conjugate to $`ij`$ in $`C_G(i)`$, there exists an element $`yN_G(T)`$, such that $`i^{y^2}=j^y=ij`$ by \[10, 10.22\], where $`y^3T`$. Furthermore $`vC_G(D)`$ and $`v`$ does not invert $`T`$. This implies that $`vC_G(j)\backslash C_G(j)^{}`$ and $`vC_G(ij)\backslash C_G(ij)^{}`$. Thus there exist elements $`x_1,x_2C_G(D)`$ such that $`v^y=vx_1`$ and $`v^{y^2}=vx_2`$, where $`x_1C_G(j)^{}`$ and $`x_2C_G(ij)^{}`$ by Corollary 24.

Let $`P:=C_T(v)^{}`$. Then $`P=\{ll^v|lTL_1\}`$ and $`C_T(v)=Pi`$. On the other hand $`x_n`$ either inverts $`T`$ or centralizes it for some $`n=1,2`$. If $`x_n`$ would centralize $`T`$ for $`n=1,2`$, then $`P=C_T(vx_n)^{}=(C_T(v)^{y^n})^{}=P^{y^n}`$. Contradiction as $`P`$ contains a unique involution from $`D`$. Thus $`x_1`$ and $`x_2`$ invert $`T`$.

Let $`T[v]:=\{tT|t^v=t^1\}`$. Then $`T[v]T`$ and $`T[v]^{}=\{ll^v|lTL_1\}`$. Obviously $`T=PT[v]`$. As $`x_n`$ inverts $`T`$ for $`n=1,2`$, $`C_T(x^{y^n})=C_T(vx_n)=T[v]`$. Thus $`T[v]^{}=(C_T(v^y)^{})^y=(T[v]^{})^y`$. Contradiction again, as $`T[v]^{}`$ contains a unique involution from $`D`$. Hence $`C_G(i)=C_G(i)^{}`$ is connected. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Proposition 27

If $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected, then $`C_G(i)=C_G(i)^{}u`$, where $`uC_G(D)`$ is an involution such that $`L_1^u=L_2`$.

Proof. As $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected, $`i`$ and $`j`$ are not conjugate in $`G`$ by Proposition 26 and $`C:=C_G(j)^{}PSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$ by Corollary 19. Let $`u(N_G(T)C)\backslash T`$ be an involution. Then $`uC_G(D)`$ but $`uC_G(i)^{}`$, as $`u`$ does not invert $`T`$. Thus $`C_G(i)=C_G(i)^{}K_iu`$ by Lemma 24 and we need to show that $`K_i=i`$.

As $`K_i`$ centralizes $`Z(C)`$, $`K_iK_jC`$ by Lemma 3 and Lemma 4. We show that $`C_{K_i}(u)=i`$. $`u`$ acts on $`K_i`$. Let $`kC_{K_i}(u)`$. Then $`k`$ centralizes the elementary abelian subgroup $`E_1:=i,j,u`$. As $`K_iK_jC`$ and $`C_C(E_1)=Z(C)u`$, we must have $`kK_ju`$ by Lemma 23. Thus $`k^2K_jK_i=1`$ by Lemma 23 and $`ki`$ by Lemma 23 again. Especially $`C_{K_i}(u)=i`$.

As $`|K_i|/|C_{K_i}(u)|=|S|`$, where $`S=\{[k,u]|kK_i\}K_i`$ consists of elements inverted by $`u`$ by \[10, ex. 17, p. 7\], $`2|S|=|K_i|`$. Let $`sS`$. Then $`u^sC`$ and $`u^s=s^uus=us^2`$. Furthermore $`s`$ centralizes $`T`$ and thus $`u^sN_G(T)\backslash T`$ which implies that there exists a $`tT`$ such that $`us^2=u^s=ut`$. Hence $`s^2=tK_iT=i`$. Assume that $`s^2=i`$. Then $`u^s=ui`$. As $`j,u`$ is conjugate to $`D`$ in $`C`$, $`u`$ and $`uj`$ belong to different conjugacy classes. However, there are at most two conjugacy classes of involutions in $`uC_G(i)^{}`$ by elementary computation, namely $`u^T`$ and $`(ui)^T`$. Contradiction. Hence $`s^2=1`$ by Lemma 23 and $`si`$. Then $`|K_i|=2|S|4`$.

We finally prove that $`|S|=1`$. Assume that $`|S|=2`$. Then $`|K_i|=4`$ and there exists an element $`kK_i`$ of order $`4`$ by Lemma 23. As $`C_{K_i}(u)=i`$, $`k^u=k^3=k^1`$. Especially $`u^k=k^uuk=uk^2=ui`$. Contradiction as before and we are done. $`\mathrm{}`$

###### Proposition 28

If $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected, $`C_G(j)(GL_2(K)/I)w`$ where $`I=\left(\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}\right)`$ and $`wC_G(D)C_G(i)^{}`$ is an involution that acts as an inverse-transpose automorphism on $`GL_2(K)`$, i.e.

$$\left(\begin{array}{cc}a& b\\ c& d\end{array}\right)^w=(adbc)^1\left(\begin{array}{cc}d& c\\ b& a\end{array}\right)$$

for any $`\left(\begin{array}{cc}a& b\\ c& d\end{array}\right)GL_2(K)`$.

Proof. As $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected, $`C_G(j)^{}PSL_2(K)\times K^{}GL_2(K)/I`$ by Proposition 26 and Corollary 19. Set $`C:=C_G(j)^{}`$.

Let $`wC_G(D)C_G(i)^{}`$ be an involution that inverts $`T`$. We show that $`C_G(j)=Cw`$. As $`w`$ inverts $`T`$, $`wC`$ and $`C_G(j)Cw`$. To prove the other inclusion let $`\overline{C}:=C/Z(C)`$. By Lemma 3 $`C_G(j)=C_{C_G(j)}(\overline{C})C`$. Let $`hC_{C_G(j)}(\overline{C})`$. Then $`T^hTZ(C)=T`$ and $`hN_G(T)`$. As $`hC_G(j)`$ and $`i`$ and $`ij`$ are not conjugate, $`hC_G(D)=Tu,w`$. Thus, as $`TuC`$, $`C_G(j)=Cw=C_{C_G(j)}(\overline{C})C`$.

As $`w`$ inverts $`T`$, $`wC_{C_G(j)}(\overline{C})`$. Thus there exists $`vC_G(D)`$ such that $`wvC_{C_G(j)}(\overline{C})`$. $`w`$ inverts $`T`$ and $`vC`$, hence $`wv`$ inverts $`Z(C)`$. Furthermore $`[wv,C]Z(C)`$ and $`C=Z(C)C_C(wv)`$ by \[10, ex. 10, p. 98\] where $`Z(C)C_C(wv)=j`$. Set $`H:=C_C(wv)^{}`$. As $`CPSL_2(K)\times K^{}`$, $`HPSL_2(K)`$ and $`C=Z(C)\times H`$. We may assume that $`vH`$.

Let $`xC`$. Then there exists $`zZ(C)`$ and $`hH`$ such that $`x=zh`$. Furthermore $`x^{wv}=z^1h`$, and $`x^w=z^1h^v`$. Thus $`h^w=h^v`$ for all $`hH`$. Set $`T_1=HT`$. As $`w`$ inverts $`T_1`$, $`v`$ has to invert $`T_1`$ as well. Hence $`vI(N_G(T_1)\backslash T_1)`$ and after maybe conjugating $`w`$ with an element from $`T`$, we may assume that $`v`$ corresponds to $`\left(\begin{array}{cc}0& 1\\ 1& 0\end{array}\right)`$. This implies the claim. (Compare Section 3.2.) $`\mathrm{}`$

Proof of Theorem 1. Let $`G`$ be as in Theorem 1. If $`C_G(i)`$ is connected, then $`GG_2(K)`$ by Corollary 21. If on the other hand $`C_G(i)`$ is not connected, $`C_G(i)`$ and $`C_G(j)`$ are isomorphic to centralizers of involutions in $`PSp_4(K)`$ by Proposition 27 and Proposition 28. Thus $`GPSp_4(K)`$ by Theorem 6. $`\mathrm{}`$

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This paper is part of the author’s Ph.D. thesis. She would like to thank the Landesgraduiertenförderung Baden-Württemberg for their financial support. She is very grateful to Alexandre V. Borovik, her supervisor during her stay in Manchester, who gave all the help one could wish for and without whom this work would not exist.