Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device (organic EL device) which is improved in luminous efficiency, fully secured of high driving stability, and of a simple structure. The organic EL device is constituted of an anode, organic layers containing a phosphorescent light-emitting layer, and a cathode piled one upon another on a substrate and a phosphine oxide derivative represented by general formula (1) is contained in a phosphorescent light-emitting layer, an electron-transporting layer, a hole-blocking layer, or an exciton-blocking layer. In general formula (1), L1 is a direct bond or an aromatic group with a valence of 1-3 and Ar1 is an aromatic group. The two Ar1 groups linked to the same nitrogen atom may form a nitrogen heterocycle and may further form a fused ring together with the said nitrogen heterocycle.