6 Simple Hopf Algebras and Deformations of Finite Groups

We show that certain twisting deformations of a family of supersolvable groups are simple as Hopf algebras. These groups are direct products of two generalized dihedral groups. Examples of this construction arise in dimensions 60 and pq, for prime numbers p, q with q|p − 1. We also show that certain twisting deformation of the symmetric group is simple as a Hopf algebra. On the other hand, we prove that every twisting deformation of a nilpotent group is semisolvable. We conclude that the notions of simplicity and (semi)solvability of a semisimple Hopf algebra are not determined by its tensor category of representations.