Leibniz algebras with derivations

Abstract: In this paper, we consider Leibniz algebras with derivations. A pair consisting of a Leibniz algebra and a distinguished derivation is called a LeibDer pair. We define a cohomology theory for LeibDer pair with coefficients in a representation. We study central extensions and abelian extensions of a LeibDer pair. In the next, we generalize the formal deformation theory to LeibDer pairs in which we deform both the Leibniz bracket and the distinguished derivation. It is governed by the cohomology of LeibDer pair with coefficients in itself. Finally, we consider homotopy derivations on sh Leibniz algebras and $2$-derivations on Leibniz $2$-algebras. The category of $2$-term sh Leibniz algebras with homotopy derivations is equivalent to the category of Leibniz $2$-algebras with $2$-derivations.