Understanding B→D*-N(N)over-bar and its implications -: art. no. 034003

The CLEO Collaboration recently reported the observation of the B-0 --> D*- p(n) over bar mode at a rate of only a factor of 4-5 lower than B-0-->D*- rho(+) and D*- pi(+). We try to understand this with a factorization approach of current produced nucleon pairs. The baryon weak vector current form factors are related by isospin rotation to nucleon electromagnetic form factors. By using G(M)(p,n) measured from e(+) e(-) --> (N) over barN and p(p) over bar-->e(+) e(-) processes, assuming factorization of the B-0-->D*- transition and p(n) over bar pair production, we are able to account for up to 60% of the observed rate. The remainder is argued to arise from the axial vector current. The model is then applied to B decays to other mesons plus p(n) over bar modes and D*- plus strange baryon pairs.