Reductive monoids over general base

Abstract

We develop a theory of affine algebraic monoids over general base schemes whose unit groups are split reductive groups. Our main result is a classification theorem for such objects, generalizing works of Vinberg and Rittatore over a field. As applications, we obtain combinatorial descriptions and normality properties of orbit closures, prove a Steinberg-type theorem on adjoint quotients of reductive monoids over general base schemes, and construct finite type integral models of the Vinberg monoids. A main tool in our construction is Lusztig's theory of modified quantum groups and their canonical bases.