2-{4-[ω-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]alkoxy]phenyl}-2H-benzotriazole s and their N-oxides as ligands for some 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine and adrenergic receptor subtypes

We have prepared and studied some new 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine derivatives as combined ligands for 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT(1A) and dopamine D3 receptor subtypes. The compounds displayed affinity for 5-HT(1A) and D3 receptors, which improved with the lengthening of the intermediate aliphatic chain. Conversely, binding to 5-HT(2A), D2 and α1-receptor subtypes was affected in an irregular, and mainly negative, manner by the chain length. Benzotriazole derivatives with 4-5 methylenes exhibited good or excellent selectivity for 5-HT(1A) and D3 vs 5-HT(2A), D2 and α1-receptors.