The decay ω(782) → 5π in chiral theory.

The arguments are put forward that the many pion decays omega --> 2 pi(+)2 pi(-) pi(0) and pi(+) pi(-)3 pi(0) provide an ideal test site for testing the predictions of chiral models of the vector meson decays into many pions. Using the approach based on the Weinberg Lagrangian or, in a new language, the Lagrangian of hidden local symmetry added with the term induced by the anomalous Lagrangian of Wess and Zumino. the partial widths of these decays are evaluated, and their excitation curves in e(+)e(-) annihilation are obtained. The discussed are the perspectives of the experimental study of the decays omega --> 5 pi in e(+)e(-) annihilation and photoproduction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.