Structure-based design, synthesis and antiproliferative action of new quinazoline-4-one/chalcone hybrids as EGFR inhibitors

•A series of novel quinazoline-4-one/chalcone hybrids as EGFR inhibitors has been designed and synthesized.•Compounds 19, 20, and 22 were the most active antiproliferative agents.•Compounds 19, 20, and 22 display good inhibition of EGFR and elevate caspase-3, 8, and 9 levels.•Compound 19 induced apoptosis and demonstrated cell cycle arrest in both pre-G1 and G2/M phases.•Docking study revealed high binding affinities toward EGFR.