This organic chemistry lab video describes an experiment where phenyl Grignard reagent is formed from bromobenzene and magnesium metal and then subsequently treated with solid carbon dioxide (CO2) and aqueous acid to synthesize benzoic acid. This product is then separated from a biphenyl impurity using a series of acidbase extractions. The resulting purified benzoic acid is then characterized by IR spectroscopy and melting point analysis. This is the first video in the series and gives background information on Grignard reagent formation, reactions, and mechanisms. It also covers tips for success in the experiment, safety, the apparatus used, and gives tips on yield calculations.