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 propanoyl-CoA:glyoxylate C-propanoyltransferase (thioester-hydrolysing, 2-carboxyethyl-forming). Other names in common use include 2-hydroxyglutaratic synthetase, 2-hydroxyglutaric synthetase, alpha-hydroxyglutarate synthase, hydroxyglutarate synthase, and 2-hydroxyglutarate glyoxylate-lyase (CoA-propanoylating). This enzyme participates in c5-branched dibasic acid metabolism.