#$%^&*AU2013242832B220150604.pdf#####ABSTRACT The present invention provides a compound having an excellent inhibitory action on melanin production and being useful as a whitening agent, and a skin external preparation containing the compound. The whitening agent of the present invention comprises, as an active ingredient, a compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof: R2 R3 N4 N N R5 R6 (1 ) wherein, RI, R 3, R4, and R6 are each independently CI 3 alkyl; and R2 and R5 are each independently a hydrogen atom or C1 3 alkyl. SS2855:sPC