The kernel of formal polylogarithms

Abstract

Polylogarithmic functions (polylogs) in $n$ variables can be viewed as elements of $(U\mathfrak{p}_{m})^*$, the dual of the universal enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{p}_{m}$ of infinitesimal spherical pure braids with $m=n+3$ strands. Polylogs with $m=4,5$ are used in the theory relating double shuffle relations and Drinfeld associators \cite{furusho_double_2011}. We give explicit formulas for elements of $(U\mathfrak{p}_{m})^*$ representing polylogs, and compute the left ideal $J_{m} \subset U\mathfrak{p}_{m}$ given by their joint kernel. We introduce Lie subalgebras $\mathfrak{k}_{m}=\mathfrak{p}_{m} \cap J_{m}$, and we compute them for $m=4, 5$.