Catalyzes the formation of acetate and ATP from acetyl-CoA by using ADP and phosphate. Can also use butyryl-CoA, but not phenylacetyl-CoA. Cannot catalyze the reverse reaction. acetate + ATP + CoA = acetyl-CoA + ADP + phosphate Homodimer. In the N-terminal section; belongs to the acetate CoA ligase alpha subunit family. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the acetate CoA ligase beta subunit family.