In this work, the first diboron reagent initiated atom-transfer radical cyclization was reported, in which the boryl radicals were generated by the homolytic cleavage of a B-B single bond weakened by the coordination of Lewis base. To clarify the role of carbonate and DMF in the cleavage of B-B bond, we calculated the free energy diagram of two pathways by density functional theory (DFT) investigations. The DFT calculation showed that the presence of carbonate facilitates the B-B bond cleavage to form boron radicals which can be further stabilized by DMF. Subsequent atom transfer cyclization initiated by stabilized dihydroxyboron radical are also energetically favored.