(R)-1-Cbz-3-cyanopyrrolidine is primarily used in organic synthesis as a key intermediate for the preparation of various pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. Its structure, featuring a Cbz-protected amine and a nitrile group, makes it valuable in the synthesis of chiral pyrrolidine derivatives, which are often found in drug molecules. The compound is particularly useful in the development of enzyme inhibitors and receptor modulators due to its ability to introduce specific stereochemistry and functional groups into target molecules. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of complex natural products and peptide mimetics, contributing to advancements in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.