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I know $\mathfrak{sl}(n,k)$ isn't solvable if char$k\ne2$, and also $\mathfrak{sl}(2,k)$ is nilpotent if char$k=2$. What about $\mathfrak{sl}(n,k)$ when char$k=2$ in general?

roob
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1 Answers1

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The Lie algebra $\mathfrak{sl}_n(K)$ for $n>1$ is simple over any field of characteristic $p$ if and only if $p\nmid n$. In case of $p\mid n$, the center is nontrivial, but the quotient then by its center is again simple for $n>2$. This "new" simple Lie algebra is denoted by $\mathfrak{psl}_n(K)$ for $p\mid n$.

References:

Center of $\mathfrak{sl}(n,F)$

Is Lie algebra sl(n;F) simple?

Dietrich Burde
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