We study algebras of
differentiable functions on a reflexive Banach space, defined by polynomial
approximation on bounded sets. We find the spectra of such algebras and we
investigate the structure of their closed ideals. In relation to this, we treat also an
approximation problem of functions f such that f,f1,…,f(m) vanish on a weakly
compact set by a method involving radical algebras and the Ahlfors-Heins
theorem.