An anthracene compound for an organic electroluminescent device, having formula (I) or (II) ##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are each individually an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein the substituent is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.1-10 alkoxy, or halogen.