Reconfiguration Graph for Vertex Colourings of Weakly Chordal Graphs

Abstract

The reconfiguration graph $R_k(G)$ of the $k$-colourings of a graph $G$ contains as its vertex set the $k$-colourings of $G$ and two colourings are joined by an edge if they differ in colour on just one vertex of $G$. We show that for each $k\ge 3$ there is a $k$-colourable weakly chordal graph $G$ such that $R_{k+1}(G)$ is disconnected. We also introduce a subclass of $k$-colourable weakly chordal graphs which we call $k$-colourable compact graphs and show that for each $k$-colourable compact graph $G$ on $n$ vertices, $R_{k+1}(G)$ has diameter $O(n^2)$. We show that this class contains all $k$-colourable co-chordal graphs and when $k=3$ all $3$-colourable $(P_5,\overline{P_5},C_5)$-free graphs. We also mention some open problems.

9 pages, 4 figures; minor changes