Design, synthesis and anticancer activity of nitric oxide donating/chalcone hybrids

► A group of chalcone/NO-donating hybrids were prepared and identified by different spectroscopic techniques. ► The tested NO-donating compounds exhibited from mild to strong cytotoxic activity. ► The nitrate ester 3a exhibited moderate selectivity toward colon cancer subpanel with selectivity ratio of 5.87 at TGI level. ► The novel synthesized NO-donating hybrids represent a significant strategy against cancer.