Catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, and, to a lesser extent, long-chain alcohols, but is inactive against propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, methanol and ethanol. Can also catalyze the dismutation of a wide range of aldehydes such as formaldehyde. formaldehyde + H2O + NAD(+) = formate + 2 H(+) + NADH acetaldehyde + H2O + NAD(+) = acetate + 2 H(+) + NADH 2 formaldehyde + H2O = formate + H(+) + methanol Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. Inactivated by bipyridine and p-chloromercuribenzoate. Optimum pH is 8.9. Active from pH 5 to 10. Thermostable up to 60 degrees Celsius. Homotetramer. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family.