Loops with universal and semi-universal flexibility

Abstract

We study loops which are universal (that is, isotopically invariant) with respect to the property of flexibility ($xy\cdot x = x\cdot yx$). We also weaken this to semi-universality, that is, loops in which every left and right isotope is flexible, but not necessarily every isotope. One of our main results is that universally flexible, inverse property loops are Moufang loops. On the other hand, semi-universally flexible, inverse property loops are diassociative. We also examine the relationship between universally flexible loops and middle Bol loops. The paper concludes with some open problems.