The present invention relates to a compound of the following formula (I) for use as a physiological gas carrier, said gas being O2, N2, NO, NO2, H2, He and/or CO2, notably O2. The invention also relates to a non-therapeutic use of a compound of the general formula (I) for binding, carrying and/or releasing a gas, said gas being O2, N2, NO, NO2, H2, He and/or CO2, notably O2.