Feature-based molecular networking and building blocks identification advance novel natural products characterization: Sesquiterpene-chromone hybrids in agarwood as an application

• Mass defect filtering and feature-based molecular networking accelerated capturing sesquiterpene-chromone hybrids (SCHs). • FEER-MS 3 matching strategy facilitated fragment ion identification for SCHs. • Twenty-five SCHs were captured and structurally annotated by separately deciphering units A and B. • Seven new SCHs, including one bearing C–C linkage between substructures were purified for structural justification. • Two new SCHs showed cell-protective, and six exhibited anti-inflammatory activities.