In this paper as the main result, we determine finite groups with the same prime graph as the automorphism group of a sporadic simple group, except J2.

We consider the Zassenhaus conjecture for the normalized unit group of the integral group ring of the McLaughlin sporadic group McL. As a consequence, we confirm for this group the Kimmerle’s conjecture on prime graphs.

In the 1980’s, the work of Frenkel, Lepowsky and Meurman, along with that of Borcherds, culminated in the notion of vertex operator algebra, and an example whose full symmetry group is the largest sporadic simple group: the Monster. Thus it was shown that the vertex operators of mathematical physics play a role in finite group theory. In this article we describe an extension of this phenomenon ...