Investigation of carbonic anhydrase inhibitory effects and cytotoxicities of pyrazole-based hybrids carrying hydrazone and zinc-binding benzenesulfonamide pharmacophores

•Compounds 19, 22, 26, 27 were more potent and selective inhibitors of cancer-associated hCA IX isoenzyme over hCA I.•Compounds 22 and 26 were more selective hCA IX inhibitors over hCA II isoenzyme.•Compounds 19, 22, 23, 24 and 26 showed higher cytotoxicity against OSCC with IC50 in the range of 1.6–1.7 μM.•Lead compounds showed significant dose-dependent cytotoxic effects.