N′-cyanopicolinamidine derivatives, linked to an arylpiperazine moiety, were prepared and their affinity to serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors were evaluated. The combination of structural elements (heterocyclic nucleus, alkyl chain and 4-substituted piperazine) known to be critical for affinity to 5-HT1A receptors and the proper selection of substituents led to compounds with high specificity