1H-NMR spectra of the following lignin model substances have been analyzed: cinnamaldehyde, 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde, 3-methoxycinnamaldehyde, 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamaldehyde, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamaldehyde. From the NMR spectra analysis it follows that the studied compounds exist in solutions as trans isomers. Theoretical (PCILO) calculations in agreement with the NMR data have shown that the more stable conformer has trans orientation of C=O group with respect to the double bond of the conjugated side chain.