In this study, we report on a general synthetic approach to both symmetrical and asymmetrical 3-cyano-1,5-diarylformazan dyes. The reaction of enaminonitrile with aromatic diazonium salts in slightly acidic medium affords arylhydrazonals as stable intermediate that are readily converted into asymmetrical formazans via second azo-coupling in a weak alkaline medium. Symmetrical formazan dyestuffs are synthesized directly via double azo-coupling of the key intermediate 3-piperidinylacrylonitrile with the corresponding diazonium salts in weak alkaline medium using sodium acetate as a weak base. The structures of the prepared dyestuffs and intermediates are demonstrated by elemental analysis (C, H, N), 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR and GC-MS spectroscopic techniques. The prepared formazan disperse colorants are applied to dye polyester fabric to give satisfactory fastness properties to wash, perspiration, rubbing and light.