A biphenyl derivative having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescent device having a long lifetime due to comprising at least one of organic thin film layers including a light emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes consisting of an anode and a cathode, wherein the organic thin film layer contains the biphenyl derivatives, singly or as a component of a mixture are provided, and also the biphenyl derivatives particularly suitable for a light emitting material of the organic EL device of the present invention is provided.