algebra / Group rings and geometric group theory

Kaplansky's zero-divisor conjecture

Claims a counterexample: a finitely presented torsion-free group GG with a finite two-dimensional classifying space and nonzero α,β∈F2[G]\alpha,\beta\in\mathbb F_2[G] with αβ=0\alpha\beta=0. The group is the fundamental group of a cone complex over two random labelled graphs, with cancellation forced by odd label intersections; torsion-freeness comes from asphericity. It works in characteristic two only and does not disprove the zero-divisor conjecture over Q\mathbb Q or C\mathbb C, nor the Atiyah conjecture.

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algebraSep 23, 2026Significance 62/100Registry: lean checked

Kaplansky's zero-divisor conjecture

Prior state unknown→disproved

Claims a counterexample: a finitely presented torsion-free group GG with a finite two-dimensional classifying space and nonzero α,β∈F2[G]\alpha,\beta\in\mathbb F_2[G] with αβ=0\alpha\beta=0. The group is the fundamental group of a cone complex over two random labelled graphs, with cancellation forced by odd label intersections; torsion-freeness comes from asphericity. It works in characteristic two only and does not disprov…

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Claims a counterexample: a finitely presented torsion-free group GG with a finite two-dimensional classifying space and nonzero α,β∈F2[G]\alpha,\beta\in\mathbb F_2[G] with αβ=0\alpha\beta=0. The group is the fundamental group of a cone complex over two random labelled graphs, with cancellation forced by odd label intersections; torsion-freeness comes from asphericity. It works in characteristic two only and does not disprove the zero-divisor conjecture over Q\mathbb Q or C\mathbb C, nor the Atiyah conjecture.

Claims a counterexample: a finitely presented torsion-free group GG with a finite two-dimensional classifying space and nonzero α,β∈F2[G]\alpha,\beta\in\mathbb F_2[G] with αβ=0\alpha\beta=0. The group is the fundamental group of a cone complex over two random labelled graphs, with cancellation forced by odd label intersections; torsion-freeness comes from asphericity. It works in characteristic two only and does not disprove the zero-divisor conjecture over Q\mathbb Q or C\mathbb C, nor the Atiyah conjecture.

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Kaplansky's zero-divisor conjecture — Mathematical Frontier Network