Synthesis of novel (2E)-1-[4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)phenyl]3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones: Investigation on spectral, antibacterial, molecular docking and theoretical studies

•A series of (2E)-1-[4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)phenyl]3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones were synthesized.•X-ray crystallographic studies and solvatochromic studies of 7 were carried out.•In vitro antimicrobial activity and docking studies were carried out.•Theoretical calculations under DFT were performed.

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