Linear and nonlinear optical investigations of (E) − 4 methyl-2-(N-Phenylcarboximidoyl) phenol supported by vibrational spectral analysis for photonic applications

•The linear and nonlinear optical responses of (E) − 4 methyl-2-(N-Phenylcarboximidoyl) phenol (4M2NPCP) have been carried out to study their prospective applicability in optical materials.•Hyperconjugation and electron delocalization in the molecule is revealed through vibrational analysis using FT-IR and FT-Raman analyses.•An absorption band in the 261 nm to 404 nm range and fine photo response with no appreciable absorption in the visible region along with the favourable bandgap emphasize the applicability of 4M2NPCP.•The high hyperpolarizability values together with the drop in normalized transmittance manifested in the Z-scan curve are indicators of the third order nonlinearity in 4M2NPCP and its prospect for use as an optical limiter.