Involved in the initial oxidation of aniline to catechol by the release of its amino group. Catalyzes the ATP-dependent ligation of L-glutamate to aniline to yield gamma-glutamylanilide. AtdA1 has a broad substrate range and is able to convert the following anilines: aniline (100%), o-chloroaniline (92%), m-chloroaniline (69%), p-chloroaniline (92%), o-methylaniline (40%), m-methylaniline (27%), and p-methylaniline (45%). It can also accept chlorinated and methylated forms of aniline, preferably in the o- and p-positions. aniline + ATP + L-glutamate = ADP + N(5)-phenyl-L-glutamine + phosphate Optimum pH is between 8 and 10. Optimum temperature is 40 degrees Celsius. Homohexamer. Belongs to the glutamine synthetase family.