Selection rules and ratios for axial couplings

The predictions for the axial couplings following from the use of the mixing operator U(Z), previously introduced to tilt the axial charges of SU/sub 6/ in the physical ones, are studied. The quantum number (-1)/sup L+L3/, where L and L/sub 3/ are the O/sub 3/ angular momentum and its third component, is shown to be conserved. From the properties of Z further predictions can be achieved as the D/F= /sup 3///sub 2/ for the /sup 1///sub 2//sup +/ baryon octet in general agreement with experiment. (14 refs).