Answer : Yes, the concentrated [tex]H_2SO_4[/tex] is a catalyst in this reaction.
Explanation :
Catalyst : It is a substance that increase the rate of chemical reaction but it is not consumed by the reaction. That means catalyst can be recovered chemically at the end of the reaction.
The given balanced chemical reaction is,
[tex]C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}+11H_2SO_4\rightarrow 12C+11H_2SO_4+11H_2O[/tex]
From the balanced chemical reaction we conclude that the amount of [tex]H_2SO_4[/tex] present in the reactant side are remains same as the amount of [tex]H_2SO_4[/tex] present in the product side. That means the amount of [tex]H_2SO_4[/tex] is not consumed by the reaction and it can be recovered chemically at the end of the reaction.
Hence, yes, concentrated [tex]H_2SO_4[/tex] is a catalyst in this reaction.
