Discovery of a new series of 5-HT1A receptor agonists

Starting from compounds previously disclosed as 1-adrenoceptor antagonists which were also found to bind to 5-HT1A receptor, in the attempt to separate the two activities, a new series of 5-HT1A receptor agonist was identified. They were shown to have high potency and/or high selectivity. Among them compound 13 that combine high selectivity (5-HT1A/1= 151) and good agonist potency (pD2= 7.82; Emax=76) turned out to be the most interesting of the series.