Anthracene derivatives represented by the general formula (1) which little cause crystallization and are freed from thermal decomposition in vapor deposition and which exhibit high luminous efficiency and attain uniform light outputs even at high temperature; and organic EL devices made by using the same: (1) [wherein Ar is a group represented by the general formula (2): (2) (wherein L1 and L2 are each optionally substituted methylene, ethylene, or the like and at least one of L1 and L2 is present); Ar’ is optionally substituted aryl having 6 to 50 nuclear constituent carbon atoms; X is alkyl or the like; a and b are each an integer of 0 to 4; and n is an integer of 1 to 3].