An estimate of the branching fraction of τ→πη′ν τ

We calculate the expected branching fraction of the second-class-current decay τ→πη′ντ, motivated by a recent experimental upper-limit determination of this quantity. The largest contribution to the branching fraction is due to the intermediate a0(980) scalar meson, assuming it is a ūd state. Smaller contributions arise from a0(1450), ρ(770), and ρ(1450). Our calculated values are substantially below the experimental upper limit, and are smaller still if the a0(980) is a four-quark state, as often suggested. Thus, a precise measurement or tight upper limit has the potential to determine the nature of the a0(980), as well as provide information about new scalar interactions.