Provided are a tetraphenylethane derivative represented by general formula (1), a method for producing the same, the use of the tetraphenylethane derivative as a radical generator, a liquid crystal sealing agent containing the tetraphenylethane derivative, and a thermosetting liquid crystal sealing agent for the one-drop fill process in particular. The radical generator does not foam and has excellent thermal radical generating performance, and, when used with a liquid crystal sealing agent, the resulting liquid crystal sealing agent does not contaminate liquid crystals, has a long pot life, and performs well in terms of forming a seal and forming a cell gap. (1) Y1 and Y2 in general formula (1) are each independently a hydrogen atom, phenyl, or silicon atom, R1 through R6 are each independently a hydrogen atom or C1-4 linear or branched alkyl group, and X1 through X4 are each independently a hydrogen atom, methyl group, ethyl group, methoxy group, ethoxy group, phenoxy group, or halogen group. R1 through R3 or R4 through R6 that bond with Y1 or Y2, respectively, are not present when Y1 or Y2 is a hydrogen atom, and Y1 and Y2 are not both hydrogen atoms.