Several series of benzofurans, benzothiophenes, and benzothiazoles, all featuring the thioamide group, were synthesized and tested as novel KATPchannelopeners in artificial cell systems: CHO cells transfected with SUR1/Kir6.2, and HEK 293 cells transfected with SUR2B/Kir6.1; these served as model systems for insulin‐secreting pancreatic β cells and smooth muscle cells, respectively. All compounds