We investigate the zero temperature chiral phase transition in an $\mathrm{SU}\left(N\right)$ gauge theory as the number of fermions $N_f$ is varied. We argue that there exists a critical number of fermions $N_f^c$, above which there is no chiral symmetry breaking or confinement, and below which both chiral symmetry breaking and confinement set in. We estimate $N_f^c$ and discuss the nature of the phase transition.

• Received 26 February 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.77.1214