As a racemate, 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) can be separated into its S- and R-enantiomers, with S-NBP reported to exhibit superior bioactivity. To develop more potent anti-stroke agents with enhanced bioavailability, we therefore employed S-NBP as the lead compound. Through structural modification and hybridization with ligustrazine (TMP), 20 novel S-NBP-TMP hybrids were designed and synthesized. In vitro screening for neuroprotection using OGD/R-injured HT22 cells and primary hippocampal neurons identified compounds S8g, S8h, and S8i. At 12.5 μM, these compounds significantly enhanced cell viability recovery compared to both their racemates and NBP. Among them, S8i exhibited the most potent neuroprotective activity, outperforming even S-NBP. Subsequent mechanistic studies demonstrated that S8i effectively attenuated OGD/R-induced mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, while also reducing both neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. Molecular docking revealed that S8i effectively occupies the Keap1 binding pocket for Nrf2 and forms four hydrogen bonds with Arg380, Arg415, and Ser555. Moreover, S8i exhibits favorable BBB permeability, as its Pe value (21.95 × 10-6 cm/s) significantly exceeds the penetration threshold. In vivo studies demonstrated that S8i ameliorated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, restored cerebral blood flow, and protected cerebral vasculature in MCAO/R model mice. Furthermore, at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, S8i exhibited significantly superior efficacy to NBP (90 mg/kg). Additionally, S8i downregulated Keap1 expression and upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream factors, HO-1 and NQO-1 in vivo. In summary, S8i demonstrates significantly enhanced neuroprotection versus its racemate, NBP, and S-NBP, positioning it as a highly promising lead compound for ischemic stroke therapy.