The IR absorption spectra and internal rotation of 1,2-di(para-XC 6H4)ethanes (X = H, Br, NO2) were studied in the crystalline and liquid phases and solutions at various temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters of conformational equilibria were determined. The concentrations of the conformers were found by factor analysis techniques. The trans and gauche conformers were studied by ab initio quantum-chemical calculations. The obtained differences of the Gibbs energies and entropies of the conformers were considered in terms of the reaction field model. The presence of the compensation effect in the thermodynamics of conformational transitions was substantiated