Disclosed is a light-emitting material for organic electroluminescent (EL) devices which is composed of an asymmetric anthracene derivative of a specific structure. Also disclosed are a material for organic EL devices and an organic EL device wherein an organic thin film layer composed of one or more layers including at least a light-emitting layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode. At least one layer composed of the organic thin film layer contains the material for organic EL devices by itself or as a component of a mixture. Consequently, the organic EL device has a high efficiency and a long life. Also disclosed are a light-emitting material for organic EL devices and material for organic devices which enable to realize such an organic EL device.