Works with phosphate acetyltransferase (pta) to capture exogenous propionate and regenerate propionyl-CoA during degradation of propionate and 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD). Ectopic expression partially complements a cobB deletion allowing some growth on propionate (PubMed:12700259). Restores growth to an eutQ deletion on ethanolamine and tetrathionate under anoxic conditions (PubMed:26448059). ATP + propanoate = ADP + propanoyl phosphate Polyol metabolism; 1,2-propanediol degradation. Organic acid metabolism; propanoate degradation. The BMC operon and BMC production is induced by growth on 1,2-PD vitamin B12 medium. Decreased propionate kinase activity, cells grow to lower density on 1,2-PD and excrete more propionate into the medium. A double pduW-pduX deletion grows as well as wild-type on 1,2-PD. Belongs to the acetokinase family. PduW subfamily. Was originally (Ref.1) thought to be AckA. Truncated N-terminus.