On the Yangian [Y(e(8))] quantum symmetry of maximal supergravity in two dimensions

We present the algebraic framework for the quantization of the classical bo sonic charge algebra of maximally extended (N =16) supergravity in two dime nsions, thereby taking the first steps towards an exact quantization of thi s model. At the core of our construction is the Yangian algebra Y (e(8)) wh ose RTT presentation we discuss in detail. The full symmetry algebra is a c entrally extended twisted version of the Yangian double DY (e(8))(c). We sh ow that there exists only one special value of the central charge for which the quantum algebra admits an ideal by which the algebra can be divided so as to consistently reproduce the classical coset structure E-8(8)/SO(16) i n the limit (h) over bar --> 0.