What Is Wrapped Ethereum (WETH)?

Wrapped Ethereum (WETH) is a cryptocurrency based on Ethereum’s ERC-20 protocol. According to the website, WETH allows users to exchange Ethereum (ETH) tokens for other crypto assets built on the ERC-20 architecture on various decentralized trading platforms. Decentralized platforms built on Ethereum use smart contracts that enable trading among users of ERC-20 tokens. However, the users need to have tokens built on common standards protocol to enter trading, seeking to prevent token loss in transactions. 

A wrapped token is a cryptocurrency tied to the original cryptocurrency or other assets like gold, equity, real estate, etc. Likewise, WETH is a wrapped token pegged to ETH. ETH is the primary crypto asset of the Ethereum blockchain network that uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. The token was designed for real-world usage, aiming to power decentralized applications (DApps). As mentioned on the website, ETH existed before the creation of ERC-20. Hence, wrapping ETH as WETH allows holders to access trade with other ERC-20 tokens. Further, users also have the option to unwrap WETH by trading WETH with plain ETH. 

Moreover, the website claims there is no future for WETH since the Ethereum network is working toward making ETH compliant with its own ERC-20 standards. Likewise, it also claims that the ERC-20 protocol itself could be replaced following the emergence of newer problems and solutions. However, work is already going on a new ERC-223 standards protocol. 

History of Wrapped Ethereum (WETH)

Wrapped Ethereum (WETH) was conceptualized and developed by a group of Ethereum projects headed by Ox Labs. The first WETH smart contract was released in November 2017. Ethereum (ETH) was cocreated by Vitalik Buterin, Gavin Wood, Charles Hoskinson, Joseph Lubin, and Anthony Di Iorio in 2014. ETH was the first crypto platform used to develop decentralized applications (DApps).