Provided are an asymmetric monoanthracene derivative having a specific structure, a material for an organic EL device comprising the above asymmetric monoanthracene derivative and an organic EL device in which an organic thin film layer comprising a single layer or plural layers including a luminescent layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one of the above organic thin film layers contains the asymmetric monoanthracene derivative described above in the form of a single component or a mixed component. Provided are an organic electroluminescent (EL) device having a high luminous efficiency and a long life, an asymmetric monoanthracene derivative which materializes the same and a material for an organic EL device.