GO:0043874:   acireductone synthase activity
Catalysis of the reactions: 5-(methylthio)-2,3-dioxopentyl phosphate + H2O = 1,2-dihydroxy-5-(methylthio)pent-1-en-3-one + phosphate; (1a) 5-(methylthio)-2,3-dioxopentyl phosphate = 2-hydroxy-5-(methylthio)-3-oxopent-1-enyl phosphate; (1b) 2-hydroxy-5-(methylthio)-3-oxopent-1-enyl phosphate + H2O = 1,2-dihydroxy-5-(methylthio)pent-1-en-3-one + phosphate.