AbstractConformational transitions in thermotropic main‐chain polymers of complex chemical structure including homopolymers with possibility of conformational transformations in mesogens and random copolymers (CPLs) containing mesogens of the same type and spacers of different lengths were investigated. It was demonstrated that liquid crystalline (LC) state influences conformational transformations in fragments of chain restraining them in comparison with an isotropic melt. It was found that CPLs studied form LC order of smectic type. Peculiarities in spacers behaviour during transition to LC state ensure formation of such type of LC order. Conclusion about dependence of mechanism of smectic LC order formation on chemical structure of rigid components of CPLs is mad