Converting $LaTeX$ expression in Mathematica -- strange result

Question

I tried to convert a $LaTeX$ expression in Mathematica, but it shows me a strange result (it shows a strange word: "ghit").
ToExpression["frac{s + k_{12} + k_{02}}
 {V_1 left[ s^2 + s left(  k_{12} + k_{02} + k_{21} + k_{01} r
ight)  + left(  k_{21} , k_{02} + k_{01} , k_{12} + k_{01} , 
k_{02} right) right] }", TeXForm]

Thank you for your help.

Szabolcs · Accepted Answer

Backslashes, i.e. , must be escaped in Mathematica strings.

This is incorrect syntax:

"xyz"

The correct syntax is

"xyz"

Unfortunately, Mathematica tries to be "user-friendly" and when using the notebook interface, it accepts "xyz" without complaint.  (If using the terminal, it at least shows a warning.)  This creates the false impression that it's fine to do this. It's not. Sequences like r (which you used), b, f, n, etc. have special meanings.  New escape sequences may also be added in the future, breaking code like "xyz".

Thus: always, always escape backslashes in strings!.

str = "frac{s + k_{12} + k_{02}}{V_1 left[ s^2 + s left(  k_{12} + k_{02} + k_{21} + k_{01} right)  + left(  k_{21} , k_{02} + k_{01} , k_{12} + k_{01} , k_{02} right) right] }";

ToExpression[str, TeXForm]

Converting $LaTeX$ expression in Mathematica -- strange result

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