Separable MV-algebras and lattice-ordered groups

The theory of extensive categories determines in particular the notion of separable MV-algebra (equivalently, of separable unital lattice-ordered Abelian group). We establish the following structure theorem: An MV-algebra is separable if, and only if, it is a finite product of algebras of rational numbers—i.e., of subalgebras of the MV-algebra [0,1] \cap Q. Beyond its intrinsic algebraic interest, this research is motivated by the long-term programme of developing the algebraic geometry of the opposite of the category of MV-algebras, in analogy with the classical case of commutative K-algebras over a field K.