Stabilization of hydrogen peroxide using phthalic acids in the Fenton and Fenton-like oxidation

► The stabilization of H2O2 was evaluated in Fenton reactions with a stabilizer. ► The life time of hydrogen peroxide was prolonged by a stabilizer, phthalic acid. ► The stabilization is mainly due to the inhibition of catalytic activity of dissolved iron species. ► The stabilization effect was pH dependent and was negligible at above pKa2.