A novel aromatic compound having an anthracene skeleton structure and an asymmetric molecular structure; and an organic electroluminescence device which comprises a cathode, an anode and an organic thin film layer comprising at least one layer containing a light emitting layer and sandwiched between the cathode and the anode in which at least one layer in the organic thin film layer contains the above novel aromatic compound singly or as a component of a mixture. The organic electroluminescence device exhibits a great luminance of emitted light, a great efficiency of light emission and a high purity of color, emits bluish light, is excellent in stability at high temperatures and has a long life. The organic electroluminescence device can be provided by utilizing the novel aromatic compound.