Differential graded algebras, Steenrod cup-one products, binomial operations, and Massey products

Abstract

Motivated by the construction of Steenrod cup-$i$ products in the singular cochain algebra of a space and in the algebra of non-commutative differential forms, we define a category of binomial cup-one differential graded algebras over the integers and over prime fields of positive characteristic. The Steenrod and Hirsch identities bind the cup-product, the cup-one product, and the differential in a package that we further enhance with a binomial ring structure arising from a ring of integer-valued rational polynomials. This structure allows us to define the free binomial cup-one differential graded algebra generated by a set and derive its basic properties. It also provides the context for defining restricted triple Massey products, which have a smaller indeterminacy than the classical ones, and hence, give stronger homotopy type invariants.