This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically those acyltransferases that convert acyl groups into alkyl groups on transfer. The systematic name of this enzyme class is pentanoyl-CoA:glyoxylate C-pentanoyltransferase (thioester-hydrolysing, 1-carboxybutyl-forming). Other names in common use include 3-(n-propyl)-malate synthase, 3-propylmalate glyoxylate-lyase (CoA-pentanoylating), beta-n-propylmalate synthase, and n-propylmalate synthase. This enzyme participates in glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism.