Why does steric hinderance matter?
I was under the impression he was using dioxane bromide because it was easier to handle than liquid bromine. Seem to remember something about this on the hive...here's a preparation of it: Post 255319 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=7334.msg25531900#msg25531900)
(PrimoPyro: "Re: Dioxane dibromide", Chemistry Discourse)
More on it...seems there's no clear statement of its advantages, though: Post 285923 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=12087.msg28592300#msg28592300)
(Antoncho: "Bromoacetone Synthesis", Novel Discourse)
If you're looking to do RESEARCH, read:
My thread: Post 505521 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=12086.msg50552100#msg50552100)
(ning: "Modified ketamine method", Novel Discourse)
A good idea: Post 465673 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=11579.msg46567300#msg46567300)
(Manichi: "Discussion on possible ketamine analogs", Novel Discourse)
A whole lot of links: Post 450682 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=8920.msg45068200#msg45068200)
(AcidPulse: "Ketamine Synthesis", Methods Discourse)
Now, zealot's synthesis is good, but long. If you're looking to innovate, well...I salute you.
Why do you want dry ammonium acetate?
It appears ammonium acetate decomposes much over 114 C. It turns into acetamide, among other things. See https://www.thevespiary.org/rhodium/Rhodium/chemistry/amide.preparation.html (https://www.thevespiary.org/rhodium/Rhodium/chemistry/amide.preparation.html)
In fact, dehydration of ammonium acetate by any strong method will yield acetamide. Or is that what you want to make? Methylamine? If so, you should just say that.
BTW, bristling with barbs and shouting "don't tread on me" isn't going to get your questions answered better. Why do people turn so macho when they get on the internet? Just bee nice, and show you're willing to do some work researching, and it will greatly please the people who spend most of their waking hours answering questions of people like you and me. Then you will probably get answers faster and better. If you want to get some respect, do it with knowledge and keen insight. Just a suggestion ;)