Synthesis and biological evaluation of flavone-8-acrylamide derivatives as potential multi-target-directed anti Alzheimer agents and investigation of binding mechanism with acetylcholinesterase.

•A series of 7-methoxyflavone and cyanoacetamides hybrids (8a–q) were synthesized.•Synthetic analogs were evaluated for their AChE, BuChE, ABTS inhibitory, neuroprotective and Aβ modulating abilities.•Most compounds had excellent anti AChE, ABTS inhibitory, neuroprotective and Aβ modulating abilities.•Compounds 8a, 8d, 8e, 8h and 8i might serve as potential lead in search of innovative MTDLs for AD.•The molecular interaction studies clearly suggesting that AChE-flavone complex is more stable.