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Bridge Bitcoin to Rootstock: smart contracts on BTC
Bitcoin was never built for DeFi — but the Rootstock sidechain changes that. Here's how RBTC works, why it's pegged to BTC, and how to move your Bitcoin onto Rootstock in a few clicks.
Updates
Numbers
Proven performance
TL;DR
Key takeaways
Rootstock is a Bitcoin sidechain that adds smart contracts while keeping Bitcoin's proof-of-work security.
RBTC is Rootstock's native coin, pegged 1:1 to BTC via a two-way peg and minted from Bitcoin.
Rootstock borrows Ethereum's account format, VM, and web3 interface, so Ethereum dApps and tools work on it.
Symbiosis integrates Rootstock by adding rUSDT to its AMM DEX and linking its relayer network.
The integration brings Bitcoin liquidity into DeFi and lets you move BTC onto Rootstock in a few clicks.
5 minute reading
Updates
Introduction
Rootstock (RSK) is a Bitcoin sidechain that combines the security of Bitcoin with smart contract execution. It integrates features of both networks.
Since its introduction in 2015 and subsequent Mainnet launch in January 2018, RSK has expanded the utility of Bitcoin by enabling smart contracts. This extends the range of applications possible with Bitcoin. RSK borrows essential elements from Ethereum, including the account format, Virtual Machine (VM), and web3 interface, ensuring compatibility with Ethereum's tools and decentralized applications (dApps). This creates a bridge between two blockchain ecosystems.
One of RSK core features is the implementation of a two-way peg to Bitcoin. This mechanism allows the conversion of Smart Bitcoins (RBTC) to and from Bitcoin (BTC), enabling fluid movement of assets between the two chains without incurring additional issuance costs. RBTC serves as the native currency on the RSK blockchain, used to compensate miners for processing transactions and executing smart contracts. Importantly, all RBTCs are minted from Bitcoins, establishing a direct linkage and value correlation between RBTC and BTC.
RSK maintains a robust proof-of-work consensus mechanism that secures the Bitcoin network, providing a high level of security. However, RSK sets itself apart by addressing one of Bitcoin's limitations: transaction confirmation times. RSK offers an improved payment experience with near-instant confirmations, enhancing the usability and efficiency of transactions on its platform.
Moreover, RSK creates new opportunities for revenue generation within its ecosystem. Users can become liquidity providers or optimize transaction fees, enabling them to earn additional income while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the network.
Overall, RSK represents a significant advancement in the blockchain space, leveraging the security of Bitcoin and the functionality of smart contracts to create a platform that enriches the blockchain ecosystem and opens up new possibilities for innovation and collaboration.
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FAQs
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01
Can you put smart contracts on Bitcoin?
Not natively, but Rootstock (RSK) — a Bitcoin sidechain live on Mainnet since January 2018 — adds them. It borrows Ethereum's account format, VM, and web3 interface, so Solidity contracts and tools like MetaMask work with minimal changes.
02
What is Rootstock's native BTC-pegged token called?
It's RBTC (rBTC), the native gas and value-transfer asset on Rootstock. Every rBTC is backed 1:1 by BTC locked on Bitcoin mainnet, so its price tracks Bitcoin directly.
03
How does the BTC to RBTC two-way peg work?
On a peg-in, BTC is sent to a PowPeg-controlled Bitcoin address and locked, releasing equal rBTC on Rootstock. On peg-out, rBTC goes to the bridge contract and is locked, unlocking the matching BTC on Bitcoin mainnet.
04
Is RBTC the same as wrapped Bitcoin like WBTC?
No. WBTC relies on centralized custodians, while the BTC behind rBTC sits in a non-custodial contract run by the decentralized PowPeg federation, secured with PowHSM hardware and Bitcoin merge-mining. That cuts counterparty risk.
05
What's the minimum to bridge RBTC back to BTC?
You need to send at least 0.004 RBTC for a peg-out via the bridge contract at 0x0000000000000000000000000000000001000006. Smaller amounts just waste gas and won't bridge.
06
How is Rootstock secured?
Through merge mining with Bitcoin — the same Proof-of-Work miners use on Bitcoin also secures Rootstock blocks. The PowPeg bridge adds PowHSM hardware to protect the private keys holding the locked BTC.
07
What's the difference between RBTC and RIF?
RBTC is the native BTC-pegged asset used for gas, payments, and DeFi. RIF is a separate ERC-20 utility token powering infrastructure services like naming, storage, and payments built on Rootstock.
08
How does Symbiosis fit into the Rootstock integration?
Symbiosis adds rUSDT (Rootstock's stablecoin) to its AMM DEX and connects its relayer network to RSK, routing transactions and liquidity. That lets you swap into Rootstock assets without using the native PowPeg directly.
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