The decay omega(782) -> 5 pi 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 t he 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 decay s are evaluated, and their excitation curves in e(+)e(-) annihilation are o btained. The discussed are the perspectives of the experimental study of th e decays omega --> 5 pi in e(+)e(-) annihilation and photoproduction. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.