$Γ$-structures and symmetric spaces

Abstract

$Γ$-structures are weak forms of multiplications on closed oriented manifolds. As shown by Hopf the rational cohomology algebras of manifolds admitting $Γ$-structures are free over odd degree generators. We prove that this condition is also sufficient for the existence of $Γ$-structures on manifolds which are nilpotent in the sense of homotopy theory. This includes homogeneous spaces with connected isotropy groups. Passing to a more geometric perspective we show that on compact oriented Riemannian symmetric spaces with connected isotropy groups and free rational cohomology algebras the canonical products given by geodesic symmetries define $Γ$-structures. This extends work of Albers, Frauenfelder and Solomon on $Γ$-structures on Lagrangian Grassmannians.