An organic elecroluminescent element comprising an anode and a cathode having therebetween an emission layer containing a phosphorescent compound and an layer adjacent to the emission layer, adjacent to the emission layer being provided between the emission layer and the cathode, wherein the layer adjacent to the emission layer comprises a compound having an electron withdrawing group; and the compound exhibits a HOMO level of -5.7 to -7.0 eV and a LUMO level of -1.3 to -2.3 eV.