On the eta and f(1)(1420) couplings to the nucleon

We consider neutral pseudoscalar, η, and axial vector, f1(1420), mesons in the OZI-rule-respecting flavor basis, , and suggest a scenario for their coupling to the nucleon. Within this framework, the nonstrange parts of the ηN and f1N couplings are modeled by means of triangular a0πN, and KK*(Λ/Σ) vertices, while the strange ones partly proceed via Goldberger–Treiman relations, which have been concluded solely on the grounds of current universality. The suggested model explains the observed suppression of the ηN coupling with respect to the constituent quark model expectations, and predicts the coupling of f1 with the nucleon.