Synthesis, characterization, and corrosion inhibition activity of new imidazo[1.2-a]pyridine chalcones

•Two new IMZs were synthesized and characterized.•The corrosion inhibition of IMZs was characterised by SEM, AFM, WL, PDP, EIS, DFT, MC and MD methods.•WL, PDP and EIS demonstrate that IMZs are effective MS inhibitors in 1 M HCl.•SEM and AFM surface analysis confirm the good protective effect of IMZs.•DFT, MC and MD simulations outcomes support well the experimental findings.