# generalization of the Jordan curve theorem

Here is a plausible generalization of Jordan curve theorem which I couldn't find a rigorous proof for it.

Let $K$ be a compact subset of $\mathbb{R}^2$ which is homotopic equivalent to $S^1.$ Prove that $\mathbb{R}^2-K$ has two connected components, one is bounded while the other is not.

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This should follow from a homology calculation (basically the same one as for the standard Jordan theorem). –  Miha Habič Jun 26 '11 at 8:28
More specifically, it follows from Alexander duality (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_duality). –  George Lowther Jun 26 '11 at 17:24
@ George Lowther: Thanks. That's it. –  Ehsan M. Kermani Jun 27 '11 at 10:22
@ All: My apologies, I misread the question. If possible, I can delete it. –  gary Jun 27 '11 at 20:19

This is true for $\mathbb R^2$, but not for dimensions 3-and-higher; the general issue is dealt with by Schoenflies. See:
This is related (maybe equivalent) to the fact that there are no knots in $\mathbb R$ nor in $\mathbb R^2$
But Alexander's Horned Sphere is not a counterexample to the question here. It is a counterexample to the statement that $\mathbb{R}^2\setminus K$ is has two simply connected components. –  George Lowther Jun 26 '11 at 17:09