An organic electroluminescent device including at least one organic thin film layer interposed between an anode and a cathode, the at least one organic thin film layer including a luminescent zone having at least one luminescent layer, wherein the organic thin film layer contains a compound represented by one of the following general formulae [I], [II], and [III]: A1-X1-(A2)a  [I] XN-(Y)n  [II] Y1-Y2  [III] Since the light emission from layers other than the luminescent zone (luminescent layer) is significantly decreased in this organic EL device, the color purity of the light emitted by the device is improved, thus providing a highly efficient, high luminance organic electroluminescent device.