Further solvable analogues of the Baer-Suzuki theorem and generation of nonsolvable groups

Abstract

Let $G$ be an almost simple group. We prove that if $x \in G$ has prime order $p \ge 5$, then there exists an involution $y$ such that $<x,y>$ is not solvable. Also, if $x$ is an involution then there exist three conjugates of $x$ that generate a nonsolvable group, unless $x$ belongs to a short list of exceptions, which are described explicitly. We also prove that if $x$ has order $6$ or $9$, then there exists two conjugates that generate a nonsolvable group.