Cu-Cr/ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst is successfully synthesized by loading Cu and Cr ions in the ZSM-5 zeolite particles using ion-exchange method. The as-obtained zeolite shows impressive efficiency when applied to the transformation reaction of glucose into 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF). Technical conditions that influence HMF yield including solvent, catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, and reaction time are investigated. According to the results, suitable conditions leading to the highest yield of HMF of 50.4% are established. The synthesized Cu-Cr/ZSM-5 catalyst shows promising performance and can be considered as a potential catalyst for direct conversion of glucose to HMF. Biomass materials other than glucose might be of interest for further investigations. Graphic Abstract Cu-Cr/ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst was prepared and applied for conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF). [GRAPHICS] .