A compound consisting of a linear saturated C8-C24 hydrocarbon-based chain bearing at each end a nitrogen-containing functional group, other than —NH2, is used for the storage of thermal energy.A process for the storage and optionally for the release of thermal energy comprises the contacting of a wall to be cooled with a first heat transfer fluid then of said first heat transfer fluid with a material comprising said compound and optionally the contacting of said material with a second heat transfer fluid then of said second heat transfer fluid with a wall to be heated.