The C-theorem and chiral symmetry breaking in asymptotically free vectorlike gauge theories

We confront Cardy's suggested c-function for four-dimensional field theorie s with the spontaneous breaking of chiral symmetries in asymptotically free vectorlike gauge theories with fermions transforming according to differen t representations under the gauge group. Assuming that the infrared limit o f the c-function is determined by the dimension of the associated Goldstone manifold, we find that this c-function always decreases between the ultrav iolet and infrared fixed points. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V .