Involved in the metabolism of butane (PubMed:11889098). May function primarily in energy generation (PubMed:12142403). Catalyzes the oxidation of 1-butanol to 1-butanal (PubMed:11889098, PubMed:12142403). Also able to use 2-butanol and butyraldehyde, although the affinity is comparatively low (PubMed:12142403). a quinone + butan-1-ol = a quinol + butanal Binds 1 PQQ group per subunit. PQQ is inserted between disulfide Cys-134-Cys-135 and the plane of Trp-277. Binds 2 calcium ions per subunit. By butane, 1-butanol and 2-butanol. Cells lacking this gene show a delayed growth on butane and are unable to tolerate high level of 1-butanol (PubMed:11889098, PubMed:12142403). When both bdh and boh genes are inactivated, growth on butane and 1-butanol is eliminated (PubMed:11889098). Belongs to the bacterial PQQ dehydrogenase family.