Reduces the double bond in short-chain unsaturated carbonyls (PubMed:21169366). Acts preferentially on alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones rather on alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes (PubMed:21169366). Has no activity with (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-pentenal (PubMed:21169366). Contributes to detoxify stromal reactive carbonyls produced under oxidative stress (PubMed:22575657). kcat is 22 sec(-1) for propenal. kcat is 1.3 sec(-1) for butenal. kcat is 3.5 sec(-1) for 3-buten-2-one. kcat is 4.0 sec(-1) for 1-penten-3-one. kcat is 3.3 sec(-1) for 4-hexen-3-one. kcat is 23 sec(-1) for NADPH. kcat is 23 sec(-1) for NADH. Optimum pH is 6.0-6.5. No visible phenotype under normal conditions, but enhanced susceptibility to methyl viologen. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family. Quinone oxidoreductase subfamily. Truncated N-terminus.