Involved in the metabolism of butane (PubMed:11889098). Could be important in the detoxification of 1-butanol (PubMed:12142403). Catalyzes the oxidation of 1-butanol to butyraldehyde (PubMed:11238982, PubMed:12142403). Also able to use 1-propanol, 2-pentanol, propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde as substrates (PubMed:11238982). butan-1-ol + 2 Fe(III)-[cytochrome c] = butanal + 2 Fe(II)-[cytochrome c] + 2 H(+) Binds 1 PQQ group per subunit. Binds 1 Ca(2+) ion per subunit. Binds 1 heme c group per subunit. Dehydrogenase activity is increased by ammonium ions. Optimum pH is 8. Optimum temperature is 60 degrees Celsius. Monomer. By butane and 1-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.