Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and antiproliferative evaluation in vitro of novel Schiff bases related to benzimidazoles

► Synthesis of novel benzimidazole Schiff bases related to benzimidazoles. ► Non-specific antiproliferative activity on the tested cell lines. ► Compounds 18 and 19 exerted the strongest non-specific antiproliferative effect on all cell lines and a concentration-dependent effect on HeLa and MCF-7. ► Spectroscopic characterization of some Schiff bases by means of UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.