Catalyzes the reversible formation of acetate and ATP from acetyl-CoA by using ADP and phosphate. Can use other substrates such as propionyl-CoA and butyryl-CoA, but not phenylacetyl-CoA. Seems to be involved primarily in the conversion of acetyl-CoA to acetate. Participates in the degradation of branched-chain amino acids via branched-chain-acyl-CoA esters. acetate + ATP + CoA = acetyl-CoA + ADP + phosphate Activity requires divalent metal cations. kcat is 95 sec(-1) for acetyl-CoA. kcat is 70 sec(-1) for ADP. kcat is 58 sec(-1) for phosphate. kcat is 138 sec(-1) for acetate. kcat is 11.5 sec(-1) for phenylacetate. kcat is 150 sec(-1) for ATP. kcat is 110 sec(-1) for CoA. Optimum pH is 7.0. Optimum temperature is 77 degrees Celsius. 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.