Synthesis and activity of di- or trisubstituted N-(phenoxyalkyl)- or N-{2-[2-(phenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}piperazine derivatives on the central nervous system.

•Presented compounds possess mainly antagonistic activity for serotonergic receptors.•Compound 9 showed 5-HT1A Ki = 5 nM, 5-HT7 Ki = 70 nM, α1 Ki = 15 nM, D2 Ki = 189 nM.•Compound 9 – anxiolytic-like activity at 2.5 mg/kg and MES ED50 = 26.33 mg/kg (mice, i.p.).