This enzyme belongs to the family of oxidoreductases, specifically those acting on the CH-OH group of a donor with NAD+ or NADP+ as acceptor. The systematic name of this enzyme class is (R)-malate:NAD+ oxidoreductase (decarboxylating). Other names in common use include D-malate dehydrogenase, D-malic enzyme, bifunctional L(+)-tartrate dehydrogenase-D(+)-malate (decarboxylating). This enzyme participates in butanoate metabolism.